Scenes from La Boqueria Market in Barcelona

I spent three months wandering through Europe – exploring cities for the first time, making new friends, devouring incredible food and drinking copious amounts of wine, particularly in Italy and Spain. Never having been to Spain before, I quickly developed an obsession with the Spanish mercados and on my road trip through the country, I would seek them out in every city.

Located on the popular shopping and tourist street La Rambla in in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, La Boqueria is one of the most famous markets in Europe. The first mention of the Boqueria market in Barcelona dates from 1217, when tables were installed near the old city gate to sell meat. From December 1470 onwards, a pig market was held at this site; at this time it was known as Mercat Bornet. Later it was known simply as Mercat de la Palla, or “straw market.” In the beginning, the market was not enclosed and had no official status, being regarded simply as an extension of the Plaça Nova market, which extended to the Plaça del Pi.

Construction began March 19, 1840 under the direction of architect Mas Vilà. The market officially opened the same year, but the plans for the building were modified many times. The official inauguration of the structure was finally made in 1853. In 1911, the new fish market was opened and, in 1914, the metal roof that still exists today was constructed.

Here are some scenes from La Boqueria Market in Barcelona where you can go to shop, eat and drink – so come hungry!

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