Valencia Market – Mercado Central de Valencia

Mercado Valencia: Mercado Central de Valencia:

Mercado Central Valencia

Right in the middle of Valencia city centre just opposite from La Lonja is the Mercado Central de Valencia or the Central Market of Valencia, one of the largest and most attractive food markets in Europe.

The Mercado Central building was built in 1928 and was beautifully restored in 2004. Built of iron, its facade is colourfully decorated with ceramic tiles and glass and the structure is a reflection of the Valencia Modernista style.

Opera at Mercado Central

Valencia’s Mercado Central gained international exposure when a YouTube video showing opera in the market was circulated (see below).  Opera singers dressed as market stall holders, surprised visitors when they filled the market hall with a rendition of excerpts of Verdi’s La Traviata . 

Seeing the expressions on people’s faces, they must have initially thought that these stall holders have got operatic talents and it’s not until a few minutes later that one realizes that these are professional opera performers.  In any case, the surprise performance brought much delight to the visitors and stall holders and some were visibly overwhelmed.

Shopping at Mercado Valencia

There are more than 1,000 stalls selling all kinds of fish, seafood, meats and sausages, fruits and vegetable for home consumption as well as for supplying the restaurants in Valencia.  This is a good place to find out what’s cooking in Spanish kitchens and restaurants. Around the market there are many tapas bars and restaurants, making this a nice place to have a snack or meal.

Even if you’re not lucky to be serenaded by opera singers, Valencia’s Central Market is nevertheless a lively and interesting place to watch locals go about their daily shopping chores and to experience the sights and tastes of Valencia.

Mercado Central is open Monday to Saturday from 07:30 to 14:30 and closed on Sunday. You can get there by Metro to Xátiva and Angel Guimerá.

Address:
Mercado Central de Valencia
Plaza del Mercado 6
Valencia 46001

Map of Valencia:

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