Mercado Central
The building is considered on of the masterpieces of Valencian modernism. It was built from 1914 to 1928. The architects of the building were trained at the Barcelona School of Architecture. It was rehabilitated and restored in 2004.
The market has around 1200 stalls selling food such as fish, fruits, vegetables, spices, meats and Jamón, both for domestic consumption and to supply restaurants in Valencia, with which it is crownd as the largest fresh product market in Europe.
Shopping in this place or grabbing a bocadillo with Jamón in this place is loaded with great charm due to the beauty of its architecture and the tradition and history of the market.
The building combines metal, domes, glass, columns with the Gothic memory of modernism, as if it were a cathedral of commerce, resonating with the neighbour Lotja de la Seda building.
Interesting facts
- It is the largest fresh produce market in Europe, with over 1200 stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to meat, fish, and cheese.
- The building itself is a masterpiece of Valencian Art Nouveau architecture, with a distinctive roof of domes and sloping sections.
- The market is a popular tourist destination, but it is also a thriving marketplace for locals.
- The market is home to a number of traditional Valencian dishes, such as paella and horchata.
- In recent years, the market has become increasingly innovative, with the introduction of online ordering and click-and-collect services.
TIPS
- taste seasonal fruits, jamón and fresh oyster on the market
- try the Valencian iconic drink: the horchata
- plan to have a light lunch in the Central Bar by Ricard Camarena, the famous Valencian chef
- after visiting the Mercado, it worth to visit the stunning La Llotja de la Seda and the Iglesia de Santos Juanes de Mercado, located right next to the market
