Barcelona may have its share of supermarkets, but the city's inhabitants still enjoy their covered market.
Today, I've decided to take you to these exceptional places.
Here we go.
Barcelona covered market: article summary
Barcelona covered market: Santa Caterina market
Located in the old part of Barcelona, in the district ofEl BornA lively, multicolored, undulating roof catches the eye. Here, there are no fewer than 325,000 pieces of ceramic tiles in vibrant shades. These evoke the different colors of the fruits and vegetables available. inside the Santa Caterina market.
Once inside, the visual explosion meets an olfactory feast. Smells of fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables assault visitors' senses. Smaller than La Boqueriaoffers a more intimate introduction to the joys of a Catalan market.
Right in the center of the market, you'll find the Can Marti Jordi delicatessen and cheese shop. Opened in 1927 by the current owner's grandfather. It sells a wide variety of Spanish cheeses. From the well-known Manchego to rarer offerings like the Andalusian Payoyo and the Canarian Majorero.
Santa Caterina is also home to one of the city's most iconic market bars, Bar Joan. This humble family-run restaurant serves home-made menus and esmorzars de forquilla.
Sant Antoni market
Built in 1882, the Sant Antoni market is shaped like a Greek cross. On site, you'll find an impressive 28-meter-high octagonal dome in the center. This magnificent market was the first to be erected outside the old part of town.
Today, it includes an open-air clothing market, a covered food market with 52 food stalls and a collectors' market held outdoors every Sunday. It's the city's largest market and the only one to operate seven days a week. During the latest renovation works in 2018, the surrounding area was made pedestrian-friendly, making this place an excellent alternative to the more crowded La Boqueria.
Barcelona's covered market: the Concepcio market
A stone's throw from the buildings la Pedrera and the Casa Batllo from GaudiLa Concepcio market, built in 1888, is named after the neighboring neo-Gothic church. Its impressive iron structure and large bay windows were inspired by London's Crystal Palace and the the airy elegance of Les Halles market in Paris.
Since one of the entrances to the market has two large open-air flower stalls, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it is popularly known as a "flower market". the name of Marché aux fleurs.
Marché du Ninot
Praised locally for its varied selection of food stalls, this market was built in 1933 and was originally called Avenir, after a nearby tavern that sold the cheapest wine in town. Its name was later changed to became Ninot (which means "doll" in Catalan).
Legend has it that the tavern owner's daughter went to the beach one day and found a wooden doll, which had been the figurehead on the bow of a ship. She brought it home and placed it at the entrance to the tavern, forever changing the name of the bar and market.
Today, the figurehead that gave the market its popular name can be found at Maritime Museum. A reproduction of this one can be found on the front of the market.
Barcelona's covered market: the Mercat de la Llibertat
Just a stone's throw from the lesser-visited Casa Vicens by Gaudi, is La Llibertat market. All metal structures and exposed brick walls feature stunning, elegant modernist geometric floral ornamentation.
The design was planned by Gaudi's best friend and regular collaborator, Francesc Berenguer. Built in 1888 in the Gracia district and fully restored in 2009, the World Union of Wholesale Markets awarded Llibertat's refurbishment their first prize.
Visiting Barcelona's local markets allows you to take a peek at the local specialities. You can also buy fresh produce and enjoy healthy food on your trip to Barcelona.
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