There are few things that perfectly represent being on holidays as well as having the luxury of endless time to spend wandering around a market, looking at things, taking in the atmosphere of a destination, sampling products, and grabbing a bite to eat. Rarely do any of us ever have the time in our day-to-day lives to properly enjoy a market in the same way. If you have found a vacation rental in Valencia, in particular, you should really set aside a morning or lunchtime to visit the city's most famous market, the beautiful Art Nouveau Mercado Central.
One of the oldest markets still in use in Europe, the Mercado Central is an official Heritage of Cultural Interest site, as designated by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. It was designed in 1914 by Francisco Guardia and Alejandro Soler, was then inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1928 and was completely renovated in 2010 to preserve its incredible beauty. Probably the most important example of Valencian Art Nouveau in the city, this gem is one of the key 20th-century architectural works in Valencia.
One of the oldest markets still in use in Europe, the Mercado Central is an official Heritage of Cultural Interest site, as designated by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. It was designed in 1914 by Francisco Guardia and Alejandro Soler, was then inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1928 and was completely renovated in 2010 to preserve its incredible beauty. Probably the most important example of Valencian Art Nouveau in the city, this gem is one of the key 20th-century architectural works in Valencia.
Measuring over 8,000 square meters and home to over 1,000 stalls, this impressive market is on a pretty staggering scale and is an atmospheric place full of incredible smells, sights, colours, and sounds. Popular among both tourists and locals, the area is thought to have been home to a market of some sorts as far back as the 14th century and it is an integral part of the city. Come and admire the ornate cast iron structure, the hand-painted patterned tiles, the massive windows through which light streams and the endless stalls offering a wide array of different types of food. Samples the seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, cured meats, cheeses, baked goods, olives, spices, snails, wines and more. Grab a coffee as you wander about or head to the Central Bar at the heart and try tapas made from items sourced at the very stands that surround.
A visit to the market truly is a must for foodies exploring this lovely city in Spain.
Mercado Central
Plaza Ciudad de Brujas
+34 963 829 100
informacion@mercadocentralvalencia.es
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday from 7am to 3pm
A visit to the market truly is a must for foodies exploring this lovely city in Spain.
Mercado Central
Plaza Ciudad de Brujas
+34 963 829 100
informacion@mercadocentralvalencia.es
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday from 7am to 3pm
Photo credit: Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0