The site where Santa Caterina Market in the Ciutat Vella (Old Town) is actually located was used to be occupied by the Santa Caterina’s convent and Church of the Dominican Order. This was the first Gothic church of the city and besides its library and cloister, it had a 40 meter high bell tower which stood out of any other building of the city. Both were destroyed in 1835 when the convent burnt down.
The construction of the market began in 1844. It opened as a food market for the unprivileged of the neighborhood in 1848 when its iron roof was finished. It was the first covered market in Barcelona at the time. After the civil war, it provided food for cities around the Catalan capital.
When Barcelona decided to restore the market and give it its actual shape, workers discovered Roman ruins like the three façades. The renovation took more time as the city decided to incorporate these vestiges in the project. The architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue who designed the actual three waves colorful roof took care of the renovation which ended up in 2005. Don´t miss it!
No reason to be jealous of La Boqueria Market!
Enter Santa Caterina Market and discover a traditional market with a wonderful selection of fresh products on three floors. Have a snack, it is not expensive at all! You can also go to various restaurants in the market itself. The quality of the food is wonderful and the atmosphere is really friendly.
Timetable
The market is opened everyday.
Mondays: 7:30am – 2pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays: 7:30am – 3:30pm
Thursdays and Fridays: 7:30am – 8:30pm
How to get there?
Address: Av Francesc Cambó, 16
Bus: 17,19,40 and 45 to Via Laietana
Metro: L4 to Jaume I
Vesping: Select the spot in the GPS.