Barcelona 2014 - Nou Mercat dels Encants

Flea market lovers will probably find their paradise at Nou Mercat dels Encants, Barcelona's oldest and largest flea market in the Sant Marti district. This permanent flea market is also the oldest in Europe dating back to the 14th Century. The antique selection here is not that impressive compared to Mercat Gotic. It is more an eclectic mix of used clothes, old furniture, knick-knacks and other general traders, etc. 

The main attraction here is the architecture. The market moved from its old location at Plaza Glories to a new purpose-built building, and it is quite an amazing structure. A ramp starts from the ground level and winds up to the top-most level which is a food court. Along the way are hundreds of small shops vying for your business. 

The most spectacular feature of the building is the roof. It is a folded and triangulated roof which is covered with a highly polished metallic ceiling underneath. It reflects what is going on below, as well as the surrounding landscape. From certain angles - the roof seems to disappear.

The market is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9.00a.m. to 8.00p.m.