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All Spain Valencia Central Market of Valencia

Central Market of Valencia

This amazing example of Valencian Art Nouveau looks more like a cathedral than a public market.

Valencia, Spain

Added By
Alan Newman
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The market at night.   Stefano Politi Markovina / Alamy
The central dome of the market.   Enric/cc by-sa 4.0
The modernist market.   Ángel M. Felicísimo/cc by 2.0
Detail of the facade.   Felivet/public domain
Interior of the central dome.   Felivet/public domain
  Juan Antonio Segal/cc by 2.0
Inside the market.   Donarreiskoffer/cc by-sa 4.0
The central cupola.   dan/cc by-sa 2.0
  Rose Stuart / Atlas Obscura User
  Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Central market   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
  mocchiatto / Atlas Obscura User
  massimiliano20097 / Atlas Obscura User
Dome   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
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The site of the Central Market of Valencia (Mercat Central) was used as an open-air market starting in 1839, but by the end of the 19th century, city authorities were looking to build an indoor market space at the spot. What they got was a magnificent tribute to the architectural use of steel and glass.

After a number of architectural competitions, the winning design was a stunning example of the modernist style known as Valencian Art Nouveau. From a distance, the structure looks more like a cathedral than a covered market: The roof's domes, in particular the one with the large cupola at the center of the building, give the exterior an appearance very much like an Italian duomo. The domes and unique slopes of the roof admit pools of light inside that complement the ornate and varied interior decoration, adorned with iron columns, colorful ceramic tile, and stained glass.

Completed in 1928 after 14 years of construction, the market covers over 86,000 square feet in two floors. Inside it mainly sells food, which is highly diverse and produces a fantastic smell. There are also a number of stalls selling touristic wares plus restaurants and bars, including the "central" bar, which is very popular with tourists and locals alike.

Related Tags

Art Nouveau Architecture Markets Modernism Domes

Know Before You Go

The market is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., located in the El Merkat neighborhood of Valencia.

Community Contributors

Added By

Dr Alan P Newman

Edited By

Meg, Luis Morato, Xavixavir, mocchiatto...

  • Meg
  • Luis Morato
  • Xavixavir
  • mocchiatto
  • massimiliano20097
  • Bitter Kobeth
  • Rose Stuart
  • mike 38370e43

Published

July 1, 2019

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Central Market of Valencia
Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n
Valencia
Spain
39.47359, -0.378973
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