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One of Barcelona’s oldest and most iconic markets, Mercat dels Encants is at the center of the city’s cultural and commercial life. With its historical roots dating back centuries, the market has undergone various changes over time, and today it has become a shopping and socializing place that attracts attention with its modern architecture. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the Mercat dels Encants’ journey from its origins to the present day.
A Historical Tradition Dating Back to the 1300s
The story of the Mercat dels Encants dates back to around 1300. At that time, at the gates of Barcelona’s city walls, there were open spaces where used goods were regularly sold. These markets became a vibrant part of the city’s commercial life, frequented by locals and merchants alike.
Location Changes and Development Process
Over the centuries, the location of the Mercat dels Encants has changed several times. First established beyond the city walls, over time the market moved to nearby Plaça Nova, Drassanes, Rambla de les Flors and Sant Antoni Market. Each move contributed to the market’s growth and diversification. Most recently, Mercat dels Encants moved to its current location in the Plaça de les Glories area, integrating with the modern face of the city. This new location allowed the market to preserve its historic character while adapting to modern shopping trends.
The New Era of Mercat dels Encants
In 2013, an iconic building designed by b720 architects was inaugurated to breathe new life into the Mercat dels Encants. The market is now housed in this modern building and is part of the City of Barcelona’s network of Municipal Markets. The most striking feature of the new building is its 25-meter high reflective roof. The roof reflects the daylight, giving the building a bright and eye-catching appearance, while the open space around the building provides a spacious atmosphere for visitors.
301 Stores and 9 Restaurants
Mercat dels Encants offers a rich shopping experience with a total of 301 shops and 9 restaurants. Due to the large number of shops, you can find antiques, second-hand clothes, furniture, artworks and many other categories. There are 9 different restaurants within the bazaar, offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
Opening Hours and Events
Mercat dels Encants has different opening hours on certain days of the week. For those who want to visit the market at its busiest, it is open from 9am to 8pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, one of the market’s most special events, the Auction Days, takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am to 9pm . During these hours, rare items and antiques are auctioned off.
Transportation and Parking
Mercat dels Encants is very easy to get to, with public transportation from central points in the city. Those arriving by private car can use the B:SM parking lot located at Carrer Castillejos 158.
Mercat dels Encants today
Today, Mercat dels Encants stands out as a place that perfectly blends traditional market culture with modern shopping trends. Ancient marketing methods and free-flowing trade culture combine with modern architecture and technological infrastructure to offer visitors a different experience.
If you are planning a trip to Barcelona, be sure to add Mercat dels Encants to your sightseeing list. With its historic atmosphere, variety of shops and delicious restaurants, you can have a nice experience.
If you love shopping, be sure to visit the Palo Market Fest held the first weekend of every month.
