The markets in Seville: a trip to the essence of Seville
The markets of Seville are spaces where history, culture, and gastronomy intertwine in a vibrant mosaic of colors and flavors. Since ancient times, these markets have been gathering places for the people of Seville, and although they have modernized, they have not lost their charm and tradition.
To walk through their stalls is to immerse yourself in the essence of the city. Each market has its own story, but they all share something in common: the passion of the Sevillians for good food and the joy of meeting with others
The historical evolution of the markets
The history of the supply markets dates back to Roman times, when there were already spaces for the exchange of agricultural and handcrafted products. However, it was during the Middle Ages that markets began to take shape, establishing themselves in public spaces where locals could buy fresh food.
En el caso de Sevilla, con el paso de los siglos, algunos de estos mercados han sido renovados y modernizados, mientras que otros han conservado su arquitectura original, ofreciendo un viaje en el tiempo. El Mercado de la Encarnación, inaugurado en 2010, es un claro ejemplo de esta fusión entre lo antiguo y lo contemporáneo, ubicado bajo las famosas ‘setas’, tiene su origen en 1842. No obstante, la instalación original fue demolida y sustituida por un espacio provisional en 1973, que funcionó como antesala al actual mercado, una nueva construcción que guarda el espíritu del que un día fuera mercado central de la ciudad.
In Seville, over the centuries, some of these markets have been renovated and modernized, while others have preserved their original architecture, offering a journey through time. The Mercado de la Encarnación, inaugurated in 2010, is a clear example of this fusion between the old and the contemporary. Located beneath the famous structure popularly known as «Las Setas», its origins date back to 1842. However, the original structure was demolished and replaced by a temporary space in 1973, which served as a precursor to the current market— a new building that retains the spirit of what once was the city’s central market.
In Seville, the journey to great dish starts at the markets
In Seville, there are up to 18 supply markets, though the most well-known are the Arenal Market, the Encarnación Market beneath the Setas, the Feria Street Market, and the Triana Market. All of these markets allow both locals and visitors to discover the region’s products, the charm of tradition, and the freshest, most authentic flavors. In Seville, food is not just about nourishment; it’s a ritual full of flavor and passion for good dining, starting with the purchase of the ingredients.
The Arenal Market
The Arenal Market was built on the site of the former convent of Nuestra Señora del Pópulo. Originally, it was a prison, then a convent, and later a market. Its promoter, Juan Talavera y Heredia, is the same prolific architect behind other notable Seville buildings, such as the Telefónica building in Plaza Nueva, the Casa de María Cháfer in Plaza de San Francisco (now the Mercer Plaza Sevilla hotel), and the Casa Montalván.
Today, the market, with its galleries of semi-circular arches and stained-glass ceilings that allow light to flood in, has been reinvented and surprises visitors with a unique range of businesses, including a vegetarian restaurant, a renowned fish specialty restaurant, and spaces for artists and artisans. It’s a must-visit stop on your trip to the city.
The Calle Feria Market
This market dates back to the 18th century and is one of the oldest in the city. It gets its name from the street on which one of its main facades faces. On the opposite side, the building faces the Palacio Marqueses de Algaba, home of the Mudéjar Museum. The building is a clear example of Seville’s architecture and receives many visitors from Thursday to Saturday, as it is a popular plan among locals to enjoy a tapa after a morning of shopping. Additionally, due to its location, it serves as an ideal starting point for a walk through the city center and the Macarena district.
If you want to learn more about Seville’s traditional markets, you can find all the information here
