Concepció Market

A standing symbol of Barcelona’s growth beyond its medieval walls, the Concepción market was founded in the 19th century to serve the residents of a new neighborhood whose streets were planned over the plains just outside the city: the Eixample. Since then, the market has become the heart and soul of the neighborhood, where the essence of the district is exuded in each and every transaction, and the socio-political topics of the day and days past are heard, felt, and seen in an authentic context.

Architecturally speaking, the market is remarkable. A product of the era in which it was planned, the market was built out of iron, the dominant material of the time, and the basis of many other architectural feats across Europe, such as London’s Crystal Palace or the famous Eiffel Tower. In addition to its metallic superstructure, the building has three covered naves and an open roof with glass tile details that give it a refined outside appearance. Its two main entrances (on Aragón and Valencia streets, respectively) are identical, creating a symmetry that gives this wrought iron building an impressive, industrial sort of beauty.

In addition to the purely gastronomic interest that a market such as this would naturally have, this site is also a great way to see and feel what Barcelona was like at the turn of the 20th century. Its excellent location makes it an easy and not-to-be-missed stop on a tour through other historical sites in the surrounding area, like the Sagrada Familia, Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló, Palau Robert, or Casa de les Punxes.