Welcome to La Boqueria, where the scent of fresh fruit, meat, and seafood mingles with the lively buzz of everyday chatter. Hard to believe, but this iconic market dates all the way back to the 13th century! Early records mention meat stalls on Plaça de la Boqueria, part of a bustling open air street market along La Rambla, where farmers from nearby villages would come to sell their goods. After moving several times, the market finally settled here—on the former site of the Carmelite Convent of Sant Josep, burned down during the 1835 Feast of St. James riots. The city council stepped in, planning a new square with arcades to house the market. In 1840, the foundation stone was laid, based on designs by architect Josep Mas i Vila. As the market grew, adjoining plots—such as the former Convent of St. John of Jerusalem—were annexed to meet the growing demand.