The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria (Catalan: [məɾˈkad ˈsaɲ ʒuˈzɛb βukəˈɾi.ə]; Spanish: Mercado de San José de la Boquería), usually simply referred to as La Boqueria, is a large public market in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, and one of the city's foremost tourist landmarks, with an entrance from La Rambla, not far from the Liceu, Barcelona's opera house. The market has a very diverse selection of goods.[1]

Sant Josep de la Boqueria Market
Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
Entrance to La Boqueria
Map
General information
TypePublic market
LocationBarcelona, Spain
Construction started19 March 1840
Inaugurated1853
Design and construction
Architect(s)Mas Vilá
Other information
Public transit accessLiceu
Website
Official website

History

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The first mention of the Boqueria market in Barcelona dates from 1217, when tables were installed near the old city gate to sell meat. From December 1470 onwards, a pig market was held at this site; at this time it was known as Mercadi Bornet. Later, until 1794, it was known simply as Mercat de la Palla, or straw market. In the beginning, the market was not enclosed and had no official status, being regarded simply as an extension of the Plaça Nova market, which extended to the Plaça del Pi. The current name is believed to derive from the Catalan boc, meaning "goat", therefore a boqueria would be a place where goat meat is sold;[2] compare also French boucherie, whence Vuccirìa, the name of a market in Palermo, Italy.

Later, the authorities decided to construct a separate market on La Rambla, housing mainly fishmongers and butchers. It was not until 1826 that the market was legally recognized, and a convention held in 1835, decided to build an official structure. Construction began on 19 March 1840, under the direction of architect Mas Vilá. The market officially opened in the same year, but the plans for the building were modified many times. The inauguration of the structure finally took place in 1853. A new fish market opened in 1911, and the metal roof that still exists today was constructed in 1914.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Goldberg, Lina (24 February 2013). "10 of the world's best fresh markets". CNN Travel. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
  2. ^ "The History of La Boqueria | Boqueria Bites". www.citybitesbarcelona.com. Archived from the original on 2014-09-08.
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41°22′55″N 2°10′19″E / 41.38194°N 2.17194°E / 41.38194; 2.17194