The main food market is always a hive of activity. It stands in Plaça Corsini, and you’ll find stalls selling fish, vegetables, meat and all kind of produce.

Mercat Central de Tarragona (Central Market of Tarragona)

This basic but beautiful stop is fundamental to understanding Tarragona. Fresh and seasonal products abound at the municipal markets—and there is a lot more to learn than just fruits and vegetables. The main market, Mercat Central, is located just off Rambla Nova and is housed in a hallmark Modernist building from 1915. This is where the heartbeat of the city lies.

If you are looking to buy fresh food in a picturesque setting, be sure to visit Tarragona’s main market. Located just off Rambla Nova, it is housed in a hallmark Modernist building from 1915. – © Manel Antoli RV Edipress / Tarragona Tourist Board

In 1915, the Central Market edifice was built in Tarragona to centralise the different sales points distributed across the city. The space chosen to house this 75- by 35-metre, rectangular structure was the old Plaça del Progrés. Architect Josep Maria Pujol i de Barberà wanted the interior to be made of cast iron columns and get rid of walls. The idea was to make it lighter and more spacious.

It has three naves, mirrored in the three façades that give way to the Plaça Corsini and Carrer Cristòfor Colom. The Market's design is reminiscent of the Born Market in Barcelona and the Otto Wagner Pavilion Karlsplatz in Vienna.

The architect, Josep Maria Pujol i de Barberà, incorporated the Modernist plasticity that fills these contemporary buildings with flair and elegance. When here, take notice of the bars
on the four entrance doors and the ceramic-clad roof. – © Manel Antoli / RV-Edipress — The architect, Josep Maria Pujol i de Barberà, incorporated the Modernist plasticity that fills these contemporary buildings with flair and elegance. When here, take notice of the bars on the four entrance doors and the ceramic-clad roof. – © Manel Antoli / RV-Edipress

Also typical are the city’s outdoor markets, where you can find clothes, footwear, food, accessories, pets, and, above all, a burst of colour, people, voices, light, and aromas.

Visit

Mercat Central de Tarragona (Central Market of Tarragona)

Hours

8:30 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturdays