La Boqueria Market

Welcome to the world of fruit!

The market entrance, bustling with people at midday... just as it has for over 800 years.

About halfway down the Ramblas lies "La Boqueria" - an outdoor produce market selling everything under the sun.  While its specialties are fruit stands, juice, meat, and cheese - it can best be described as "Pike's Place Market in Seattle on STEROIDS."

The history of the market is quite fascinating, as first mention of the "Boqueria Market" dates all the way back to 1217!  At that time, tables were installed near the old door of the city to sell meat, and thanks to more history books, in December 1470 pigs were also sold at that site.  (That's 22 years before Columbus even set sail towards The New World!)  In 1826 the market was legally recognized, and official construction for today's market began a few years later.  The current roof was built in 1914, and it is said that Gaudi, the famous architect who designed many of Barcelona's whimsical buildings, often wandered the rows of the market looking for inspiration.

What we found was as epic as just described - rows and rows of amazing fruit displays, fresh juice in every flavor, fish, meat, chocolate, coffee - you name it, it is sold in the market.  However, do not expect to find any 'tourist' shops here... perhaps the most refreshing thing about the market was not having to walk past rows of cheap goods and plastic snowglobes... just pure, natural foods.

Stacked peas become art in the market.

These strawberries look to good to eat!

Bright Red Peppers hang from the booths as you walk by.

After 20 mouthwatering minutes, we purchased some fresh squeezed juice that was perhaps the best I've ever tasted.  I went with the Strawberry-Banana while Christie tried Mango-Papaya.

When it hits your lips... so good.

If you are ever traveling in Barcelona - I suggest you make this one of your late morning stops for either a snack or to load up for a waterfront picnic.  But don't bring your Visa - this is Cash only here!

~ J. Twice