[1] The site was used as part of the gallows parade of a guilty person, which was humiliated and tortured around Valletta, before being hanged in Floriana.

During the 2016–17 renovation, remains such as small rock-hewn cisterns and dividing walls from the original building were discovered, allowing archaeologists to make a 3D reconstruction of it.

The building was designed by the Superintendent of Public Works, Hector Zimelli, but was completed under the direction of Emanuele Luigi Galizia.

[10] Is-Suq tal-Belt has a rectangular plan, and the walls and arches making up its three floors are built of limestone like many other buildings in Malta.

[11][7] Iron had been used in earlier structures on the island, such as the Naval Bakery and the Corradino Prisons, but on a much smaller scale than the Valletta Market.

[7] The design of the Valletta Market was inspired by Covent Garden (London)[11][13] and Halles Centrales (Paris).

[13][14] The design of the Valletta Market influenced similar projects elsewhere in the British Empire, including in Calcutta.

[9] Parts of the building were converted into food markets, restaurants and stalls, while the upper level is intended for cultural activities and events.

[23] The market hall reopened to the public on 3 January 2018,[21][24] and the official opening by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat took place on 2 March 2018.