Mercado Central (Central Market), Cadiz (must see)

The old Farmers' Market of Cadiz became the site of the Central Market in the late 1890s. Architect Torcuato Benjumeda designed the new market. He was also the designer of the Town Hall and the Church of Saint Joseph. The concept was for an open quadrangle of space lined with classical Doric-style columns.

A roof was placed over part of the original space of the Convent of the Shoeless (Convento de los Descalzos). This is the central pavilion of the market today. To answer a growing demand for produce, two open wings with columns were added to either side of the main building. A major refurbishment took place in the early 2000s.

There are at least 170 stands in the market selling fish, fruit and vegetables, meat, groceries, baked goods, and bread. Among them are three stands selling pickles, paper bags, and fishing gear. Most of the stands in the central pavilion feature a variety of fish and seafood.

The wing on the left of the entrance is home to the Rincon Gastronomico, offering samples of freshly made foods. The right-wing sells meat and unusual types of produce. A main attraction in the market is the Gourmet Corner.

Some of the tasting stands in the Rincon Gastronomico are El Comado, wines, and meat; La Taperia de Luna, tapas and soups; Gadisushi, sushi; Gadesbeer, beers; La Sarten, eggs, and tortillas and chips; Queso 360, cheeses from everywhere.