La Boqueria Market

The origins of the market date back to the 13th century (1217), when meat stalls were set up in the open air along La Rambla. Over time, traders changed location several times, eventually settling in the former convent of Sant Josep after it was destroyed by fire in 1835. In 1840, the first stone of the market was laid, designed as a covered square with an area dedicated to fish. It quickly became too small, leading to an expansion in 1869, and was later modernized with gas lighting in 1871. The early 20th century brought two iconic additions: Antoni de Falguera’s modernist arch (1913) and the large metal roof (1914). During the 20th and 21st centuries, several renovations modernized the market: a new loading area (1985), a complete refurbishment with natural light and a glass canopy (1998–2001), the creation of the Aula Boqueria (2002), an underground car park and logistics area (2010–2013), and finally, an expansion with the new façade facing Plaça de la Gardunya in 2015. Today, La Boqueria is much more than a market: it is a historic, vibrant, and emblematic landmark of Barcelona.