Point of interest
Mercado Central
in Valencia, Spain
One of Europe's largest fresh-food markets, a Modernista iron-and-glass hall packed with stalls of jamón, seafood, cheeses and produce.
Where it is
In the historic centre (Ciutat Vella), on the Plaza del Mercado, opposite the Lonja silk exchange and the church of the Santos Juanes.
Address: Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, 46001 Valencia
What it is
One of the largest and most beautiful covered fresh-food markets in Europe, with almost a thousand stalls beneath domes of glass and iron. Locals come for fruit, vegetables, fish, charcuterie and rice; for visitors it is a vivid place to experience Valencian food culture.
History
The present Modernista building was designed by architects Alejandro Soler March and Francisco Guardia Vial and inaugurated in 1928, on the site of earlier open-air markets from the 19th century. Iron, glass and coloured ceramics define its Catalan Modernisme style.