The birth of the modern market

As the city grew and La Rambla became increasingly important as a promenade, the street stalls gradually moved westwards until they reached the foot of the former Convent of Sant Josep, from which the market took its name. In 1835, on the night of Sant Jaume—the night known as the Burning of the Convents—groups of rioters set fire to the church. The site subsequently became the property of Barcelona City Council. The arcaded square that can still be seen today was built there, and the market was permanently established within it, although the present-day market building did not yet exist. Municipal architect Josep Mas was commissioned to design a tall, modern iron building to house the stalls. La Boqueria opened in 1840, and its roof was completed in 1916.

Today

La Boqueria has become a place to experience with all five senses: wandering among shoppers and curious visitors while enjoying its colours and aromas is a real pleasure. Today, it sells all kinds of products from Catalonia and around the world.

The market has everything: fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, preserves, pulses, cheeses… It offers local produce and imported foods, Catalan specialities and traditional and contemporary cuisines from around the world. It also hosts cultural and gastronomic activities, courses, workshops, tastings and events.