Built in 1915, Tarragona’s Central Market is a worthy representative of the Mediterranean spirit of Tarragona, and more dynamic than ever since its renovation was completed in 2017, which has also imbued new life into its Modernist features. In this new stage of its life, the historical essence of the market is still very much to the fore, but now coexists alongside the ambition and dynamism typical of the twenty-first century.
© David Oliete - Mercats de Tarragona
The real treasure of every market is, of course, inside it: its people, products and stories. But the outer shell of Tarragona’s Central Market cannot be underestimated, and the features of this stunning building alone would justify a visit.
The Central Market was designed by one of the most prolific architects of Catalan Modernism in Tarragona, Josep Maria Pujol de Barberà.
Pujol de Barberà planned a large rectangular building with three naves, built with a material which at that time was very innovative for Tarragona: reinforced concrete or cement. The building was inaugurated with a big formal ceremony in December 1915.
The updated market encompasses a space where people not only go to shop but also to taste, learn and absorb the buzz of the city.
© Manel Antolí / Tarragona Turisme
Today, the heart of the Central Market is formed by some stalls of high quality, local and always seasonal produce, endorsed by the knowledge of the stallholders, many of whom have been preceded by generations. of their families
In the Central Market you will also find a spacious area to sit down with a coffee, a glass of wine or a tasty meal surrounded by the beauty of its Modernist architecture.
© David Oliete - Mercats de Tarragona
And we shouldn’t forget to mention the latest incorporation into this twenty-first century market. No visit could be complete without watching the Central Market’s new Carillon Clock in action.
Every day, seven figures from the Seguici Popular (popular retinue) of Santa Tecla dance to the sounds of the pasodoble Amparito Roca (the anthem of Tarragona’s Santa Tecla festival) on the main façade of the market. They perform at noon and 6.00 pm every day, all year around.
This is yet another ingredient in a culinary and cultural offering that is bound to put a smile on your face during your visit!
The Mercat Central (Central Market) is the most important market in the city, located in a historic modernist building dating from 1915 and with a carillon clock on its façade.
| Mercat Central (Central market) | Pl. Corsini | 977 23 15 51 |
| Mercat Municipal de Torreforta (Torreforta's municipal market) | C/ Amposta | 977 54 34 69 |
Also typical are the city’s outdoor markets, where you can find clothes, footwear, food, accessories and, above all, a burst of colour, people, voices, light, aromas and characters straight out of storybooks.
| Day | Place | Items |
| Tuesday | Pl. Corsini | Clothing |
| Wednesday | Pl. del Fòrum | Food |
| Thursday | Pl. Corsini | Clothing |
| Friday | St. Pere i St. Pau | Clothing and food |
| Friday | St. Salvador | Clothing and food |
| Friday | Rambla Nova | Antiques |
| Saturday | Pl. del Fòrum | Food |
| Saturday | Pl. dels Carros | Food |
| Saturday | Around Torreforta's municipal market | Clothing and food |
| Saturday | La Móra | Food |
| Sunday | Bonavista | Clothing and food |
| Sunday | Old District (Part Alta) | Antiques |
| Market or fair | Date | Place |
| International Roman era site and museum fair | last two weeks in May | Camp de Mart |
| Fair of Roman products, companies and historical associations | last two weeks in May | Camp de Mart |
| The DO Tarragona Wine Fair | May – June | Pl. Corsini |
| Artisanal food fair featuring natural products (Slow Food Tarraco) | September | Pl. del Rei |
| Mediaeval Market | October | In the area around the Cathedral |
| The DOP Siurana Olive Oil Fair | November - December | Pl. Corsini |
| Christmas fair | December | Rambla Nova |
| Crafts and gift fair | December | Rambla Nova |
the new shopping and eating venue where you can also see the new Carillon clock in action.
the great Sunday market
Don't miss it!
Tarragona, una ciutat dinàmica