La Boqueria Market

The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, better known as La Boqueria, is the largest and most diverse public market in terms of food supply in Barcelona and Catalonia. It is not just a regular market, but a town of sorts, which due to its uniqueness and central location is as an extremely popular tourist destination.

The market is located in La Rambla de Sant Josep, very close to the Gran Teatro del Liceo in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona. It covers an area of 2,500 square metres which shelters over 300 market stalls with plenty of various exotic foods, especially a wide range of fruits from around the world.

The origins of the market go back to the 13th century, when traders and farmers gathered outside the medieval city walls in order to sell their goods and thus avoid paying taxes. With years the open-air market grew in popularity and it was officially inaugurated in Rambla de Sant Josep in 1827. In 1914, a characteristic metal roof was constructed over the market as well as a wrought iron multicolour sign of a shield with stained glass ornaments and a crown was placed above the market's main entrance.

Right behind the market, there is a square surrounded by columns and porches, which in the 16th century an ancient friary, home to the followers of St. Joseph, was located. This is why the market is sometimes called St. Joseph's market.

The market belongs to the network of European tourist markets - Emporion (the European Association of Markets). Since 2003, it organizes the so-called Culinary Classroom, offering daily lessons of cooking for children and adults.