Friday, August 29, 2014

La Boqueria

Stepping out of the metro line deposited us directly in front of Barcelona's famous outdoor market - La Boqueria. I found this history of the market at:
 http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/monuments/boqueria_market

"The first mention of the Boqueria market of Barcelona dates from 1217, when tables were installed near the old door of the city to sell meat. From December 1470, a market selling pigs occurred at this site. At this time, the Market had the name Mercat Bornet or was (until 1794) simply known asMercat de la Palla (Straw Market).

At the beginning, the market was not enclosed and did not have an official statute, it was regarded as a simple extension of the market of Plaça Nova which then extended to the Plaça del Pi.
Later, the authorities decided to construct a separate market on La Rambla, housing mainly fishmongers and butchers. It is not until 1826 that the market is legally recognized and a convention held in 1835 decides construction of an official place.

Construction began March 19, 1840 under the direction of architect Mas Vilà. The market officially opened the same year, but the plans for the building were modified many times. The official inauguration of the structure was finally made in 1853. In 1911, the new fish market was opened and, in 1914, the metal roof that still exists today was constructed."



The most organized, cleanest and colorful marketplace I have ever seen.

A small bag of pepper followed us home.


Nearly anything you can imagine was available, from the simple to the exotic.


A feast for all of the senses!

Pitahaya

Texture of Kiwi, very mild flavor and not too sweet. I choose the pink version, tasty. You can see the whole fruit directly behind the cut fruit I can't decide which is prettier, the whole fruit or the cut fruit.


How I wish we could take one of those home, not the people the peppers!


Such abundance!



One of the dozens of fish counters.

Wonderful welcome to Barcelona, Spain.

And if you have thanks for reading.