La Boquería, whose official name is the Mercado de San José, is the most famous market in Spain and the largest in Catalonia with 2,583 square meters of over 300 stalls offering a wide variety of local and exotic products to the public. Located on the Rambla de Barcelona, the Boquería has become an important tourist attraction to the large number of people who visit this Catalan city. The market is a practically obligatory meeting place for both locals and tourists alike, since it's possible to find all kinds of products in a lively environment full of colors and flavors. Here you will find fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, preserves, legumes, cheeses, Catalan specialties and food from around the world. The market also offers cultural and gastronomic activities, courses, workshops, tastings and gatherings.
Previously, the Convent of San José was located here, founded in 1586. With the passage of time, La Rambla became a place of great public interest in Barcelona and, after a catastrophihc fire at the monastery, the city decided to move the market to the former convent.
In 2005, the Boqueria received the Best Market of the Year Award in the sixth edition of the International Public Markets Conference held in Washington.
