In Medieval times, this area was home to many of the city’s slaughterhouses. At the beginning of the 19th century, due to the city expansion, the old main slaughterhouse was demolished. In its place, architect Salvador Escrig planned this Round Plaza. Built between 1837 and 1846, Escrig designed a perfect 37 meter diameter circle of neoclassical inspiration, made up of facade sfacing in to the center of the plaza. The ground floors were intended for stores, while many the rest of the floors were designated for rental housing – though the penthouses remained a storage space. Soon people started hanging clothes on the balconies to dry, giving it a patchwork quality.In addition, the many colours of the different items sold in the wooden stalls rendered the plaza an incredibly eye-catching place. Until its recent restoration which was completed in 2012, visitors who passed from the adjacent streets through the arches would be transported right back in time. Though it’s been somewhat modernised, the traditional craft shops and quaint cafes still give the plaza great character.