La Rambla and La Boqueria Market

Chapter 4/11 · Barcelona

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You are on La Rambla, Barcelona's most famous promenade, which follows the line of the old medieval wall and links Plaça de Catalunya with the port. In front of you is the Sant Josep market, which everyone calls La Boqueria.

It began as an open-air market held at the city gates, at the Pla de la Boqueria, outside the walls to avoid the tax on goods entering the city. On this site stood a convent of Discalced Carmelites founded in 1586 and dedicated to Saint Joseph; after it burned in 1835 it was demolished, an arcaded square was built and the market stayed there. Work to roof it over began on Saint Joseph's Day in 1840.

The current metal roof was inaugurated in 1914. With more than 300 stalls in about 2,583 square metres, it is the largest market in Catalonia and also the one most visited by tourists. It is said that the flower sellers of La Rambla grew out of the vendors who gave away a flower with every purchase.

We continue down La Rambla to the Pla de la Boqueria —look at the ground: the mosaic is by Joan Miró— and then go in along Carrer de la Boqueria, Carrer d'Aroles and the Passatge de Madoz to the Plaça Reial.

← Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi · Plaça Reial (Royal Square) →