Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHT
MERCAT DE LA BOQUERIA
One of the greatest sound, smell and colour sensations in Europe is Bar-
celona's most central produce market, the Mercat de la Boqueria. It spills over
with all the rich and varied colour of plentiful fruit and vegetable stands,
seemingly limitless varieties of sea critters, sausages, cheeses, meat (includ-
ing the finest Jabugo ham) and sweets.
Terry Williams / GETTY IMAGES ©
The Historic Market
According to some chronicles, there has been a market in this place since 1217. As much as
it has become a modern-day attraction, this has always been the place where locals have
come to shop.
Between the 15th and 18th centuries a pig market known as Mercat de la Palla (Straw
Market) stood on this spot; it was considered part of a bigger market that extended to the
Plaça del Pi. What we now know as La Boqueria didn't come to exist until the 19th century,
when the local authorities decided to build a structure that would house fishmongers and
