Santa Caterina Market is somewhat less well-known among tourists than the legendary Boqueria, yet it is one of the markets most beloved by Barcelona residents. It is located in the city center, not far from the Gothic Quarter and the Cathedral, on the site of a convent destroyed in the mid-19th century. The city needed a new market so badly that trading began without waiting for the construction of the pavilion to be completed. Later, the building was repeatedly expanded and changed its appearance.
In 2005, the market underwent another renovation based on a design by Enric Miralles, during which it received its multicolored undulating roof and joined the ranks of other masterpieces of Modernist architecture, for which the capital of Catalonia is so rich.
Inside, on an area of more than 2000 sq.m, there are spacious stalls with vegetables, fruits, fresh meat and fish, Spanish delicacies, and exotic goods. This is exactly where local housewives and colorful elderly ladies come to shop: the selection is huge, the quality is excellent, and the prices are low.
A friendly atmosphere, an abundance of colors and aromas, the opportunity to observe the everyday life of the townspeople, and to buy edible souvenirs are just a few reasons to visit Santa Caterina Market. In addition, you can enjoy a tasty and inexpensive lunch here in one of several national cuisine restaurants or have a snack in a tapas bar.
