One of the features of the city of Barcelona is its wide wire of municipal markets with fresh products: seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, legumes and all the Mediterranean diet has to offer.
Santa Caterina Market was the first covered food market built in Barcelona. It is located where Santa Caterina Convent standed in the past, at La Ribera neighbourhood, Ciutat Vella, just a few streets from Barcelona Cathedral. Its construction took four years and was inaugurated in 1848. In that day, it was one of the most important food supply centres in Barcelona during the food shortage period.
In 2005 the market was remodelled by the architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue in order to improve its conservation and renew its aesthetic. From then, the building presents an undulating roof made of ceramic which reproduces the colours of the fruit and vegetable stands designed by the artist Toni Comella. This design gives a bold touch to such a traditional establishment and converts it to a reference of the contemporary architecture.
Nowadays, as well as congregating stands of fresh products, it offers tapas and spaces to eat. What is more, and what makes it more special, it exhibits the ruins of the former convent.
Do not hesitate to get to this market and buy first quality products or taste one of the delicious tapas offered by the bars. You can get to Santa Caterina Market hopping off the Barcelona City Tour bus at Catedral – Gòtic stop.
