Mercado Central (Central Market), Tarragona

Mercado Central (Central Market), Tarragona

The Central Market of Tarragona, inaugurated on December 19, 1915, holds historical significance and reflects a unique modernist character in its architecture.

The market structure comprises three longitudinal naves and a transversal nave, creating a symmetrical division of the floor. Fiber cement roofs are supported by pointed arch metal structures and columns adorned with modernist capitals. The exterior showcases two main facades featuring three semicircular arches each—a large central one corresponding to the central nave and two lateral ones. These architectural elements contribute to the strong modernist aesthetic of the building.

The establishment of the Central Market aimed to address the issue of scattered markets throughout the city. The offers an array of fresh produce such as fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olives, nuts, and more. Additionally, there are a couple of spots where patrons can relish a glass of wine, coffee, and tapas. Meanwhile, the basement houses a contemporary supermarket from a well-known chain.

Don't miss the captivating clock show. At both 12 noon and 6 pm daily, seven figures representing the popular Santa Tecla procession come to life, dancing to the lively beats of the Amparito Roca pasodoble. Beyond being a hub for fresh and seasonal products, the Central Market serves as the pulsating heart of the city, where the essence of Tarragona comes to life.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tarragona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Mercado Central (Central Market) on Map

Sight Name: Mercado Central (Central Market)
Sight Location: Tarragona, Spain (See walking tours in Tarragona)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Tarragona, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Tarragona

Create Your Own Walk in Tarragona

Creating your own self-guided walk in Tarragona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Tarragona Introduction Walking Tour

Tarragona Introduction Walking Tour

Nestled in the southern part of Catalonia, Spain, Tarragona is a coastal city boasting an abundance of ancient Roman ruins, rolling mountains, and magnificent beaches.

Shrouded in myth and mystery, Tarragona carries a name whose origins remain debated—linked to figures like Tarraho or Tearcon the Ethiopian, a seventh-century BC pharaoh. Its true founding date is also obscured in time.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Roman Ruins Walking Tour

Roman Ruins Walking Tour

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Indeed, the city's acclaim largely stems from its Roman ruins, notably the 2nd-century AD Roman...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles