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Central market of Zaragoza

The Central market of Zaragoza: A True Modernist Gem Adapted to the 21st Century

The Central market of Zaragoza is located next to the Roman walls on Avenida César Augusto, just a few meters from Plaza del Pilar.

It is a modernist gem designed by Aragonese architect Félix Navarro at the beginning of the 20th century and renovated in 2020. It has been a national historic monument since 1978 and declared a Cultural Interest Asset since 1982.

Why Visiting This Modernist Monument Is a Great Idea

Central market of Zaragoza is one of the few remaining examples of early 20th-century modernist market halls in Spanish architecture.

Félix Navarro, one of the most emblematic architects the city has had, reflected in this gem the ideas he had absorbed during his visit to the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889. On its exterior, the facade of the Mercado Central stands out with its modernist style and neoclassical touches, using materials such as stone and brick mixed with other more novel materials of the time, such as iron and glass. The building as a whole has a functional, harmonious design and a rectangular plan with three naves. The central one is taller and wider than the others.

Upon entering the building, its beautiful structure full of details surprises, which until the 2020 renovation was hidden from view. The entire structure rests on a semi-basement that served as a warehouse and which, on the outside, presents the image of a plinth. Félix Navarro was very familiar with Les Halles in Paris, a work that influenced him when designing the central market of Zaragoza. The portals feature neoclassical elements (arcaded galleries, sculptural decoration of allegories of agriculture, hunting, fishing, and transport, medallions, pinnacles topped with fruit bowls) alongside wrought iron grilles. The capitals of the iron columns have original shapes, such as small baskets, acanthus leaves, neoclassical palms, and clustered fruits.

In 1903, the Central market of Zaragoza, also known as Mercado de Lanuza, was inaugurated, replacing the old market that had operated outdoors since the 13th century. In 1969, this market almost disappeared due to an urban development project that planned its demolition to expand the current Avenida César Augusto. However, pressure from the people of Zaragoza ultimately prevented the project from being carried out, saving the market. Between 2018 and 2019, the Zaragoza City Council carried out the renovation of the Mercado Central, the most significant work done since its inauguration.

The market's rehabilitation was completed in 2020. And this work definitively recovered its original beauty and adapted this modernist gem to the 21st century.

What You Can Do During Your Visit to the Mercado Central de Zaragoza

During the day, you'll find a lively space filled with the city's freshest food products. They are distributed between the central aisle and the side aisle in select and varied stalls of the central market.

Borage or cardoon in fruit and vegetable stalls, Aragonese ternasco in the delicatessens are some of the Aragonese gastronomic delights that await you in its interior aisle.

The market has 4 gastronomic spaces that complement the 74 market stalls, where you can have breakfast or a late-night drink. And of course, also go for an aperitif, lunch, or dinner.

However, the gastronomic space has hours that we recommend you check before visiting:

  • Monday to Friday it is open from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM
  • Saturdays and holiday eves it is open from 6:00 AM to 2:30 AM
  • And Sundays and holidays the market opens from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM.

Additionally, if you visit the market on weekends, you may find surprising live performances, as well as interesting gastronomic activities, guided tours, or workshops.

In addition to its gastronomic offerings, the Mercado Central has been recognized with various awards for its architecture and design. Its modern and luminous structure creates a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to explore every corner.

And for market customers, there is free parking service in the César Augusto and Plaza del Pilar parking lots.

The Monument to Caesar Augustus Near the Market

Before entering the market, very close by you can see the monument to Caesar Augustus, in the also known as Plaza César or Plaza del Mercado, located in the heart of the city.

This monument is a bronze copy of the marble Augustus of Prima Porta. The original is in the Vatican Museums. This sculpture, which is located next to the Roman Walls, was a gift from the Italian Government to Zaragoza.

In addition to the market, very close by you can visit great tourist attractions of the city of Zaragoza such as the Basilica del Pilar, Teatro Principal, the Auditorium of Zaragoza, the Goya Museum, El Tubo, the Bullring, Plaza de España, Parque Grande, or the Monasterio de Piedra, among others.

Are you looking for a hotel in Zaragoza to visit the Mercado Central? In that case, we have three welcoming B&B HOTELS in Zaragoza waiting for you to fully enjoy your stay in the Aragonese capital at affordable prices.

You will feel at home from the moment you arrive at any B&B HOTELS. We are waiting for you!

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  2. Central market of Zaragoza