The Best Markets in Barcelona
One of the most interesting experiences while being in Barcelona is visiting its markets. The diversity within the city markets includes some of them with a classic style while others show some modern renewed aesthetics that have mixed the commercial foundations of the city with more contemporary and groundbreaking proposals. Offering from delicious tapas to the freshest products, flowers or antiques, these are the best markets in Barcelona.
La Boqueria Market, tasty and colorful in the city center
The most famous market in Barcelona is El Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, regularly called La Boqueria. Located right in the heart of the busy Las Ramblas avenue, the place is widely known because of its tapas restaurants and the fresh food and groceries sold in the stalls. From paella to mussels or fine wine, La Boqueria has something for every palate.
Probably one of its most eye-catching items, which is also one of the market’s best-sellers is their large variety of colorful and tasteful fruit juices. The diversity of colors and flavors including national and tropical fruits makes the display of the stalls a striking and appetizing rainbow. La Boqueria market is so well-known that they even sell their own merchandising; its unbeatable location has made this place especially attractive for tourists.
Address: La Rambla, 91, 08001 | Phone: +34 933 18 25 84| Hours: Mon-Sat, Sun Closed
Els Encants, Barcelona’s largest flea market
At the heart of Glories neighborhood, the Mercat Fira de Bellcaire Els Encants is Barcelona’s largest and oldest flea market. Els Encants has in it a bit of a garage sale, an antique fair, regular shops, and an old school market. Almost everything that you can imagine can be found there, from ornaments to antiques, cameras, second-hand clothes and books, but also, new clothes and furniture or electronics are available in their shops; the diversity of objects displayed is fascinating.
While walking through their large amount of shops and stands it is easy to get hungry, and the market also has a variety of restaurants.
A remarkable example is La Palmera, a cozy bar at Els Encants that offers a very friendly environment where to enjoy their tasty tapas and nice cold beer; their ‘ensaladilla’ (potato salad) is a particularly safe bet for those who want to leave the place with a full belly and a smile on their faces.
Getting to this market is actually really easy by public transport as the metro and tram stop called Glories are just a few meters away from its entrance. As the icing on top of the cake, the market’s emblematic mirror structure is located opposite to the magnificent skyscraper Glòries Tower, former known as Torre Agbar.
Address: Carrer de los Castillejos, 158, 08013 | Phone: +34 93 246 30 30 | Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat
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Mercat de Sant Antoni, the largest market in Barcelona
Sant Antoni is one of the most important markets in Barcelona, it is considered the largest one in the city and is the only one that offers commercial services 7 days a week. The market has one of the richest and most diverse fresh food offerings in the city.
The sale of food products in the inside of the building coexists and is complemented by the sale of textile and other non-food products that are located around the market. Sundays are actually special at Sant Antoni, perfect to visit with the family, as they have their ‘dominical’ market where second-hand books, stamps collections, and antique comics are displayed.
This beautiful construction was designed by the architect Antoni Rovira i Trias, the building was finished in 1882. Sant Antoni is actually larger than La Boqueria and usually way less crowded; which makes it a great option for those looking to get away from Barcelona’s downtown agitation while staying in the city center.
Address: Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 1, 08011| Phone: +34 934 26 35 21| Hours: Mon-Sat and Dominical on Sundays
Mercat Santa Caterina, the most colorful market in the city.
Colored slings are the hallmark of Santa Caterina, the food market’s most striking feature is its characteristic brightly multicolored ceramic mosaic roof in the shape of a wave. While it is amazing from the streets, it was actually designed to be seen from the air. Its innovative design is not in line with the traditional look that can be seen in other markets in Barcelona.
Located at Ciutat Vella district and really close to Barcelona’s Cathedral, this colorful food facility was renovated in 2005 but it has a long history around its walls; it was built in 1845 as the first roofed market in the city, and it was actually erected over a monastery with the same name as the current market.
Address: Av. de Francesc Cambó, 16, 08003| Phone: +34 933 19 57 40| Hours: Mon, Wed & Sat- Morning / Tues & Thur- full day / Sunday closed
Mercat la Concepciò food and flower market
La Concepciò market offers a gastronomic and olfactory experience; in addition to the food bazaar and its fresh products, the freshness continues to the back of the place where they have their flower market. At this well-known flower market, located at the back entrance, all types of flowers and greenery are shown and available for garden lovers.
Placed in the attractive area of Eixample this centennial market has gone hand in hand with the rapid growth of the area, which is the most populated district of the city, and it has become key for this neighborhood as it holds social and sales live on its facility, on their website, there is a list of the workshop that they organize.
Address: Carrer d’Aragó, 313-317, 08009 | Phone: +34 934 764 870 | Hours: Sun Closed, also closed Mon and Sat afternoon
El Clot Market, merge yourself in the local roots
El Mercat del Clot is a local market, placed in the neighborhood of the same name, which maintains the area’s classic atmosphere as it is done by and for the locals.
Day to day conversations about friends, family, or the weather can be heard while buying fresh groceries, fish and meat, as el Clot has become a key commerce center and meeting point in the neighborhood. The market has been opened since 1889, reformed in 1995, and it is a great example of the modern style in Barcelona.
Address: Pl Mercat 26, 08018| Phone: +34 934 42 72 63| Hours: Sun Closed, also closed Mon and Sat afternoon
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5 Best Barcelona Food Markets
About Barcelona Food Markets
For a real Food Lover it is quite a MUST to experience at least a few of the top Barcelona food markets. The smell of freshest seafood, the exotic fruits you have probably never seen before and the beauty of the colourful vegetables will satisfy anyone’s dreams of a Spanish food market.
1. Mercat de la Boqueria / Sant Josep
Barcelona’s best-known market with its unique atmosphere, offers a wide range of fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, never seen Sweets, an unforgettable world of fresh sea food, as well as Tapas Bars for a short culinary break. Though la Boquería is meanwhile one of the most famous tourist attractions of Barcelona, it´s still an important food market for locals and Chefs.
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 08:00 – 20:30 Sunday closed
Where: La Rambla, 89
2.
Mercat de Santa Caterina
Quieter and less touristy than La Boquería, Santa Caterina Market is just a two minutes’ walk from the Cathedral of Barcelona. The colourful rooftop was designed by the famous Catalan architect Enric Miralles and represents the colours of the fruits and vegetables, reflecting a historical connection to Barcelona’s modernist tradition. It’s well known for its vibrantly and lively atmosphere and with the beautiful assortment of the fresh products, it is easy to imagine the architect’s inspiration for the unique rooftop design.
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 7.30am-3.30pm; Thu-Fri 7.30am-8.30pm; Sat 7.30am-3.30pm; Sun closed
Where: Av. Francesc Cambó, 16
3. Mercat de la Concepció
The market of Concepcion was built in 1888 in the centre of Barcelona in the neighbourhood of Eixample and it is the ideal meeting place to enjoy a dining experience together with a wide range of delicious fresh fruits, vegetables as well as shopping options.
It is particularly well known for its flower market including all types of greenery, located at the backside of the building.
Opening hours: Mon & Sat 8am-3pm; Tue-Fri 8am-8pm; Sun closed
Where: Carrer d’Aragó, 313
4. Mercat del Ninot
El Ninot Market dates back to 1893 when it was still an open air market and it was recently reopened in May 2015 after a five-year refurbishment period. The market has now a modern appearance mixed up with the original designs of steel and glass. As all the Markets of Barcelona also the Mercat del Ninot can be pretty busy at certain daytimes, but the wide aisles permit a steady movement and therefore, a light and laid back atmosphere.
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 8am-9.15pm; Sun closed
Where: Carrer de Mallorca, 157
5. Mercat de la Llibertat
Barcelona’s Mercat de la Llibertat has stood on this site since 1888 and let you dive at once into a local, village market feel.
The market invites you to catch up the atmosphere created by distinctive smells and flavours in an extremely beautiful modernist building, which has been refurbished several times. It counts to one of the most important food markets of Barcelona and don´t miss to explore also the small alleyways of the neighbourhood Vila de Gracia. (Read also our article: Barcelona´s authentic district “Vila de Gràcia” & the Street Festival “Fiesta Mayor de Gràcia”!)
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 8am-8.30pm; Sat 8am to 3pm; Sun closed
Where: Plaça de la Llibertat, 27
Best markets in Barcelona: Top 5 – Barcelona10
In addition to the sea, beaches and attractions, Barcelona is, of course, famous for its cuisine. And good gastronomy is only possible with fresh products, which in the capital of Catalonia can be found in local markets. We present to your attention 5 markets where tourists and residents of the city buy food.
Download our app and find out even more information about shopping, markets, hotels (see hotels here), restaurants and more in Barcelona.
La Boqueria
This is the oldest and most famous food market in Barcelona, where you can find the best products not only from Spain but also from other countries. Ordinary buyers come here every day to buy something tasty for a home dinner, and chefs of Barcelona restaurants, because only here you can buy everything you need – and of excellent quality – for the most intricate culinary masterpiece. The stalls of Boqueria are full of sausages and cheeses, mountains of jamon (you can order the tour “Cheese and jamon” here) and ham, a dozen varieties of olives, all kinds of fruits and vegetables. La Boqueria is not just a market, but a piece of history and one of the city’s most attractive sights, where you should come to feel the pulse of Barcelona life.
We have a great tour of the Boqueria Market and the Gothic Quarter, download it!
Address: La Rambla de Sant Josep
Metro: Liceu
The market is open all week except Sunday from 08:00 to 20:00.
Santa Caterina – Santa Caterina Market
Santa Caterina Market is Barcelona’s first indoor market and is immediately recognizable by its wave-shaped colorful ceramic roof. The choice of products here is not worse than at La Boqueria, and the prices can be much lower. Here you can buy fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, meat, sausages, as well as wonderful flowers. By the way, if you get hungry while walking through the market, there is an excellent tapas bar opposite the main entrance, where it is so pleasant to drink a glass of cold beer on a hot day, snacking on excellent jamon.
Address: 16, Francesc Cambó
Metro: Jaume I
The market is open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 to 15:30, Thursday, Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 to 20 :30, Sunday is a day off.
Fira Artesana – Honey Market
This small market on Plaça del Pi is also known as the “honey market” because beekeepers from all over Spain bring products for sale here.
But it’s not just honey that you can buy here, Fira Artesana is a favorite market for healthy food lovers, as it sells organic and natural products. In addition to a jar of honey, without which it is simply impossible to leave here, be sure to buy homemade cakes and fresh cheese for breakfast.
Address: Plaça del Pi
Metro: Liceu
The market is open on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00.
» READ ALSO – What to try in Barcelona from food: dishes and products
Barceloneta – Barceloneta
Located in the seaside quarter of the same name, the Barceloneta market specializes primarily in the sale of seafood and fish. It can also be called the most progressive and comfortable market in Barcelona: it is partly solar-powered, which covers almost half of its energy consumption, has a special plan for efficient waste disposal, is equipped with air conditioning, and there is also convenient parking for buyers.
On the territory of the market there are two excellent restaurants where they prepare fresh seafood. One of them is the Lluçanès restaurant, run by a Michelin-starred chef. We also recommend a tour of oyster farms, you can order it here.
Address: 1, Plaça de la Font
Metro: Barceloneta
The market is closed on Sundays. On other days it is open from 8:00 to 15:00.
Sant Antoni
This is the second most popular market in Barcelona. In terms of the richness of the assortment, it is actually not inferior to La Boqueria, but it is much more convenient for shopping, because there are much fewer tourists here. On Sundays, there is a flea market near Sant Antoni where you can buy collectible coins and rare books. Keep in mind that the Sant Antoni market is under renovation until 2015, so for now there are only a few stalls in its place.
Address: Ronda Sant Pau/Carrer Comte d’Urgell
Metro station: Sant Antoni
Have a good time in the markets!
Routes through the markets of Barcelona.
Spain in Russian
Route 1: Modernism Road
In ancient times, the trading place was the busiest part of the city. In the market, people not only purchased the necessary products, but also communicated, learned the latest news, shared useful information about life and interesting goods. The market with history is not just a point on the map, it is a place where architecture, centuries-old traditions and the atmosphere of bygone years are intertwined. An unusual route through the markets of Barcelona is a great way to look at the history of the city from a different angle, see how the lifestyle of people and their habits have shaped the space, and learn a lot about the city for yourself.
We invite you to take a trip back in time, because market traders, many of whom are descendants of the first hawkers, highly appreciate the traditions of the past and do their best to preserve a special atmosphere. Choose one of four routes – and go on an adventure!
The mass construction of covered markets in Barcelona began at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, during the heyday of modernism.
And it is not surprising that the influence of this art direction can be clearly seen in the interior and exterior of these outlets. The first market, from which we recommend to start your journey, is no exception.
Mercado de la Llibertat
So, you are in the heart of the original Gracia district and in front of you is the Mercado de la Llibertat, which means Freedom Market. The area where the modern market is located and the adjacent square used to be the property of a well-known landowner originally from Menorca, Marc Olives. In 1831, he declared: “On my estate, in Gracia, all houses should be built around a large square surrounded by roads, so that merchants, farmers and artisans can move freely in their carts, enjoy and live a full life …”. Thanks to this, in 1840 the square and the adjacent market got its name.
The modern market was opened in 1888. The building was designed by Francesc Berenguer, a student and follower of Antonio Gaudí, but due to the fact that Berenguer did not have a diploma in architecture, Miguel Pasqual Tintorer is officially considered the author of the building.
Address: Plaça de la Llibertat, 27, 08012, Barcelona
Phone: +34 932 170 995
Mercado de Galvany
Having left the cozy Gracia, so loved by the bohemian public, we propose to continue the journey and go to the modern fashionable area of the Catalan capital. Finding yourself in Sarria-Sant Gervasi, you will clearly see how the atmosphere around is changing and how history and modernity are surprisingly harmoniously combined here.
Mercado de Galvany is one of the most beautiful markets in Barcelona, an architectural monument of the city. Work on its construction began in 1868 and lasted until 1927 years old. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of seeing this magnificent market with your own eyes. The façade of the building, the layout of the stalls and the merchandise are all of great interest. In addition, you can taste traditional Catalan and Spanish products.
And for the little ones there is a carousel.
Address: Carrer de Santaló, 65, 08021 Barcelona
Telephone: +34 932 016 660
Mercado de Sants
Our next destination will be the interesting Sants Market, located in the picturesque area of Sants-Montjuic.
The building was designed by the architect Pere Falqués i Urpí in 1892 and officially opened in 1913. In the spring of 2014, as part of the renovation program for Barcelona’s markets, the renovation of this historic building and surrounding areas was completed. Now on 3000 sq. meters there are counters and a self-service area, a large supermarket, as well as car parking for 90 seats The services of the updated market include home delivery. Today, residents and guests of the capital of Catalonia can buy clothes, accessories, food, household goods and more here. Equipped with the latest technology, the building is now equipped with the latest air conditioning system, the toilet rooms are fully automated.
Despite the modern finishes, the modernist decorative elements of the building’s façade have been completely preserved and restored.
Address: Carrer de Sant Jordi, 6, 08028 Barcelona
Mercado de Sant Antoni
Sant Antoni Market is included in the catalog of monuments of historical and cultural heritage of the capital of Catalonia, the author of the project was Antoni Rovira i Trias (Antoni Rovira i Trias). This is the first market that was built outside the city walls. Today it occupies an entire block of the Eixample district and is one of the largest municipal markets in Barcelona. On weekdays, everyone can buy fresh dairy products, fish, meat, and vegetables. Remarkably, prices here are much lower than in other well-known markets of the city. And on Sunday, Sant Antoni turns into a meeting place for collectors, because a real book fair unfolds within its walls, where all connoisseurs will find something interesting for themselves: rare literary relics, photographs, posters, stamps and more.
Address: Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 08011 Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 263 521
Route 2: Symbols of Barcelona
Having completed your journey through Barcelona’s most iconic modernist markets, while celebrating the differences between the districts of this wonderful Mediterranean city, we should not rest on our laurels. After all, another route awaits you, which presents the most symbolic markets of the capital of Catalonia.
Among the municipal markets there are some which, because of their size, design, history or location, are of particular value to the city. With our route, you can find out what is remarkable about this or that building.
La Boqueria
Start, of course, from the most famous market in Barcelona – Boquería. This market is considered the oldest in Europe, the first mention of it dates back to 1217.
A special atmosphere reigns here, the workers managed to preserve the true spirit of the Catalan fair. On the shelves are always fresh seafood, farm vegetables, meat, fragrant spices, pickles, delicacies, including black truffles, traditional Spanish products, freshly squeezed juices… Due to its location on one of the main tourist streets of La Rambla, there is a constant flow of customers, so The choice of products is very wide and varied. In addition, a very large number of immigrants live in the Old City, which means that the market began to actively sell goods imported from other countries.
There is a restaurant on site where all guests can enjoy gourmet meals, tapas or a glass of Spanish wine. Moreover, culinary master classes are held here for everyone. A must visit place.
Address: Les Rambles, 91, 08001 Barcelona
Phone: +34 933 182 584
Mercado de La Conceptio
In the center of the Dreta de Eixample district, surrounded by Aragó, València, Bruc and Girona streets, there is a very remarkable Mercado de La Concepció market.
It got its name from the nearby church Inmaculada Concepción, which means “immaculate conception”. The author of the facade is Antoni Rovira i Trias (Antoni Rovira i Trias), already known to us as the creator of the San Antoni market project. The Mercado de La Concepció was inaugurated in 1888.
The peculiarity of this market is a large territory reserved for the sale of flowers. Here you can find everything your heart desires: floral decorations, bouquets, potted plants… Remarkably, this section is open around the clock. It is not surprising that among the locals there is a second name Mercado de La Concepció – Flower Market.
In June, during the celebrations of the Eixample district, the market is completely transformed. All workers dress up in medieval costumes, which makes visiting this market even more interesting.
Address: C/ Aragó, 313-317, 08009 Barcelona
Phone: +34 675 693 616
Mercado de Santa Caterina
Next to the majestic Barcelona Cathedral, not far from the famous Via Laietana, is the quaint Santa Catarina market.
Once on the site of this attractive building there was a nunnery, from which the market inherited its name. Joseph Mas Villa (Josep Mas Villa) became the author of the project. After 150 years, Enrique Mirayes (Enric Miralles i Benedetta) reconstructed the building, and the famous multi-colored wavy roof became the decoration of the Mercado de Santa Caterina.
The territory of the modern market includes 2176 sq. meters of retail space. This gastronomic space is considered to be one of the most iconic in Barcelona.
Address: Av. de Francesc Cambó, 16, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 933 195 740
Encants Wells
This market attracts the attention of everyone without exception: locals, tourists, artists, photographers… The incredible space mirror roof is amazing. Since 2013, Encants Vells has been located in a fished area near the Glories metro station and the Agbar tower, leaving its former home on the embankment of Port Vell.
Along with Boqueria, this market is one of the oldest in Europe. Here you will not find food products – the stalls are full of antiques, books, paintings, household trifles. There is also a wide selection of clothes, shoes, a department of furniture and electrical appliances.
Without a doubt, its most prominent feature is the auction. Yes, yes, you heard right, here every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 7 o’clock in the morning there is an auction in which anyone can take part. Very tempting, isn’t it?
Address: Carrer de Castillejos, 158, 08013 Barcelona
Phone: +34 932 463 030
Mercado de la Barceloneta
The last stop on the second route will be Mercado de Barceloneta, which is doubly nice, because you can not only buy a dozen oysters and freshly caught fish for dinner, but also take a walk along the promenade after a busy trip to the markets of Barcelona.
This gastronomic paradise is famous not only for its advantageous location near the sea, but also because the restaurant at the market, which is called Lluçanès, was made famous by the famous Michelin-starred chef Àngel Pasqual. Once here, be sure to try the local delicacies!
Address: Passatge de Font, 1, 08013Barcelona
Line 3: New Municipal Markets in Barcelona
So, we overcame the route through the ancient markets with a rich history. Having visited the past, you can return to the present. After all, the next path awaits you along the “new markets” of the city. This is the name given to the markets that were actively built since 1950, as a result of a large demographic growth caused by an influx of immigrants.
Most of the retail space on this route dates from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. The new peripheral areas were growing at a breakneck pace at the time, and markets were needed to solve food supply problems.
Due to the fact that many of them were built in haste, for the most part, they do not have much architectural value. But the practical benefits bring colossal to this day. Here you can buy fresh products, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and much more at attractive prices.
It was in the circumstances of the need for rapid construction that markets such as the Mercado del Carme, in the Raval district (1950), Horta (1951), Vallvidrera (1953), Guinardó (1954), La Sagrera (1955) appeared g.) and Estrella (1957). Also worth noting is the market located near Gaudí’s ingenious creation, the symbol of Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia, which bears the same name. It was built in 1944 and completely renovated in 1993.
Over the next decade, the city’s border is finally formed and the emergence of retail space continues with renewed vigor. The Mercado de Montserrat and Mercado del Bon Pastor were built in 1960, followed a year later by the Mercat de les Corts.
Mercat de la Guineueta and Núria markets appear in the new working neighborhoods of Meridiana Street. At the same time, the Mercat de Sant Martí and the Felip II market open.
Since the 1970s, mass construction has been suspended, the flow of immigration is weakening. Four markets in Barcelona appear during this period: Mercado del Puerto (1973), Lesseps (1974) Mercado de la Trinitat (1977).
The facade styles and materials used in the construction fully reflect the dominant architectural trends of the 1950s. The influence of functionalism is clearly traced, the motto of which is naturalness and practicality. Reinforced concrete becomes the main material, and glass is replaced by plastic.
The youngest markets in Barcelona are Fort Pienc and Marina, opened in November and December 2003 respectively.
The Fort Pienc market is part of a series of new municipal buildings built on Carrer de Ribes, next to the Estació del Nord train station.
The Marina Market is located in the Sants-Montjuic area. Both of these markets are built using the latest materials and architectural achievements, equipped with the latest technology.
Visit here – you will definitely like it!
Addresses and phone numbers of markets
Mercado de Horta
Address: Carrer del Tajo, 75, 08032 Barcelona
Telephone: +34 934 295 140
Mercado de Vallvidrera
Address: Carrer Reis Catòlics, 2, 08017, Barcelona
Telephone: +34 934 068 410
Mercado de Guinardó
Address: Carrer Teodor Llorente, 14, Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 355 888
Mercado de la Estrella
Address: Carrer de Pi i Margall, 73, 08024 Barcelona
Telephone: +34 932 842 053
Mercado de Montserrat
Address: Via Favència, 247, 08042 Barcelona
Telephone: +34 933 547 239
Mercado del Bon Pastor
Address: Carrer de Sant Adrià, 154, 08030 Barcelona
Phone: +34 933 139 959
Mercado de les Corts
Address: Travessera de les Corts, 215, 08028 Barcelona
Telephone: +34 933 309 970
Mercado de la Guineueta
Address: Passeig Valldaura, 186-190, 08042, Barcelona
Mercado de Núria
Address: Avenida Rasos De Peguera, 186, 08033 Barcelona
Mercado de Sant Martí
Address: Carrer Puigcerdà, 206-212, Barcelona
Telephone: +34 933 133 449
Felip II
Address: Carrer de Felip II, 229, 08027, Barcelona
Telephone: +34 933 408 880
Lesseps
Address: Carrer Verdi, 200, Barcelona
Phone: +34 932 197 296
Mercado de la Trinitat
Address: Carrer Pedrosa, 21, Barcelona
Telephone: +34 933 503 262
Mercado de Fort Pienc
Address: Pl Fort Pienc, 3, Barcelona
Phone: +34 932 655 371
Mercado de la Marina
Address: Pg Zona Franca, 178-180, Barcelona
Telephone: +34 933 325 347
Mercado de la Sagrada Familia
Address: Carrer de Padilla, 255
Telephone: +34 934 36 33 45
Route No.
4: Milestones in History
This is the end of our journey through the city through the most famous shopping centers, but do not be upset, because in the end we left another very interesting route – through the historically important markets of Barcelona. Some are already familiar to us from one of the previous routes, and now we will look at them in a new way, through the prism of history, and some have not yet met on our way. Each of them is associated with some significant event in the life of the capital of Catalonia, whether it is an achievement in the field of architecture, the expansion of borders, the emergence of new areas or the development of the city as a whole.
Before we set off, we will tell you about the general trends of the time when the first covered markets began to appear en masse.
In the middle of the XIX century, in connection with the beginning of the widespread use of iron, new architectural possibilities open up.
Almost all public buildings of that time take the form of metal structures, decorated with cast iron parts. Famous architects such as Santiago Rusinol, Antoni Gaudí, Josep Puig i Cadafalch created masterpieces that are still admired by residents of Barcelona and tourists from all over the world. Follow route number 4 and you will see everything with your own eyes.
The very first covered market in Barcelona was the already known Mercado de Santa Caterina (1848), which appeared on the territory of the convent. Behind it, the Mercado de Galvany is being built, with its famous Greek cross-shaped brickwork, iron roof and beautiful Art Nouveau windows.
Mercado del Born made a real revolution. It became the first municipal market made of metal and glass. The building, crowned with a 30-meter octagonal dome, is the work of the famous architect Josep Fonserè i Mestres. Over time, this building was no longer used as a market, and a huge library appeared within its walls.
But once interesting archaeological finds dating back to 1714 were discovered on the territory. Then it was decided to transform the Mercado del Born and open a cultural center here, called Born Centro Cultural.
Today it is very popular among tourists. And during city celebrations, a lot of themed events are held here.
The Mercado de la Llibertat was built in Gràcia when the area was not yet within the boundaries of the city, but was still an independent municipality. This modernist building was made using metal, but did not have any glass details. The main feature of its design was the incredible ceramic roof.
In 1882, the symbol of modernism Mercado de Sant Antoni appears. The first market is outside the city walls. This huge market, the whole quarter, is made in the form of a Greek cross with a large octagonal dome. After a long and careful reconstruction, this market has opened in a new light for everyone.
1888 saw the birth of Mercado de la Concepció and Hostafrancs.
These majestic buildings are the creations of Antoni Rovira and Trias (Antoni Rovira i Trias). Both of these markets had common features: the central main space of these buildings was complemented by two departments on the sides. An ornate ceramic tiled roof adorned the Mercado de la Concepció, while the light green façade of the Hostafrancs marketplace playfully stood out in the cityscape.
The following year, the public saw the new Mercado del Clot. The building was designed by Pere Falqués i Urpí, one of whose creations we have already met on the first route – the Sants market. It is interesting to visit both outlets in order to try to determine the style of the architect, to highlight common or, conversely, different details.
Mercat de l’Abaceria Central opens in Gracia in 1892. It was originally an open-air market and was located on Plaça de la Revolució. This brick building with an oval roof perfectly fit into the structure of the city and brought great practical benefits.