FOOD MARKET
Popularly known as “the square” is a neoclassical building built following the project of Torcuato Benjumeda y Laguada, one of the most important neoclassical architects of Andalusia.
Antonio Ruiz Florindo also participated in its execution as master builder. The works began in 1791, ending in 1802, although commercial activity began in this area as early as 1800.
The purpose was to construct a building to house the stalls selling products to supply the population, mainly meat and fish, in a more hygienic and controlled manner than at that time.
The market will be built on a plot that was previously a space occupied by several private houses that were acquired by the city council for the market, so the current building has facades on two streets, Soledad and Nueva streets.
The original layout underwent some modifications, eliminating one floor in height from the project, leaving it with the current appearance of a single square floor with four bays around a central courtyard or plaza.
Its double façade has seven arches on Nueva Street and five arches on Soledad Street, consisting of open arcades in the enclosure wall, covered with stone imitating ashlar with a cornice. The arches are topped with decorated ironwork oculi.
It is currently the oldest food market in Andalusia that still retains its original use.
