Since its origins, in the Middle Ages, the Encants have covered a large part of Barcelona's geography. In 2013, the construction of the new facilities was completed, located very close to its previous location.
The first news about the Encants is the medieval market that was held next to the walls, on the Camí del Rec, in the middle of the 14th century. In the 16th century it was moved to Plaça Nova and, a century later, we find it in Plaça de Sant Jaume. In the 18th century it was located in front of the Llotja and at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, on Avinguda Mistral and Passeig de la Creu Coberta.
Finally, in 1928, and on the occasion of the celebration of the International Exposition of 1929, the fair was moved for the last time in front of the Plaça de les Glòries. On 23rd March, 1928, the first trader, Josep Font, moved there, and eight days later there were already 15 traders. In a month there were fifty of them and quickly exceeded 200 traders.
At first, this move was not easy: on Avinguda Mistral and Passeig de la Creu Coberta people passed by, while in Plaça de les Glòries the customers had to go there expressly.
Architecture
The new Encants market, designed by Fermín Vázquez, is conceived as an open square that takes advantage of the different levels of the streets that surround it to generate ramps where the stalls are located.
The shops are located on a continuous series of slightly sloping ramps that form a route around the building, with the idea of offering an experience similar to walking down a pedestrian street. The same tiles that cover the ground have the function of generating a visual continuity with the street.
Inauguration: 1928 (2013)
Refurbished
Area: 15,000 m²
Services: car park, information point
Location: C. Castillejos, 158
