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Markets for me have always been Oasis’s, in what is often an otherwise bland contemporary shopping experience. In Barcelona these Oasis of Fresh Fair are also Bazaars of Culture and Theatres of Life.
Scattered around the city, the Markets of Barcelona are a joy to behold. Still very much a part of the everyday culture of the city, they offer a cornucopia of wares, from all manner of food stuffs to textiles, antiques, comics and a whole lot more. The wares are piled high and the stall holders engaging, especially if you speak Catalan or Castilian, even a little, that is only polite.
When I can, I always prefer to shop in one of the markets in my neighbourhood, and not only because the fruit and veg are fresh. Discovery of some unusual local or seasonal speciality, advice and banter from the store holders, the opportunity to take a coffee at one of the cafe´s, the aromas, I could go on and on....
The main markets are centred on the delivery of fresh produce, offering all you´ll ever need to produce lip smacking Catalan, Spanish or International cuisine. The vegetables, fish and meat on offer range from uber fresh local produce of outstanding quality, to quality economy produce and on to some interesting imported items. To complement these, you will find a range of other local staples such as breads, cheese, cured meats, dried nuts and fruits (and more).
All the markets also have a number of small cafes and/or tapas bars, and in the case of the latter some of the best to be found in the city (especially at the Boqueria).
Some markets have some additional actives at specific times of the week, such as the Book and Coin markets at Mercat de Sant Antoni every Sunday morning. This is event is a great example of the hustle and bustle of market market life. I can lose myself here for two hours without any difficulty. This is no tourist market so most of the literature is Spanish (Catalan and Castilliano), some stalls offer some in other lingos. I myself am espcially drawn to the music stores (CD and Vinyl), where eclectic collections and bargains can be found. Oh no my best kept Barcelona secret is out!
Almost all boast some interesting architectural aspects, of the old or the new. Mercat Santa Caterina by architects Enric Miralles, Benedetta Tagliabue and Miralles Tagliabue for example has it´s contemporary colourful wave formation roof and clean cut interior. A significant number of the big markets are the work of famous old school architects, with many being the work of Antoni Rovira i Trias, such as Mercat de la Concepcio and Mercat Barcelonetta.
Whether you’re in need of some food for dinner, fancy a spot of lunch or just want to take in the atmosphere and do a bit of people watching, these markets are a must.
Steve Andoe - "Live from Barcelona" |
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