Mercado Central, Zaragoza

The Central Market of Zaragoza or Lanuza was designed in 1895 by the Aragonese architect Félix Navarro Pérez to replace the traditional one that was held outdoors in the old market square. It was commissioned by the Sociedad Nuevo Mercado de Zaragoza and in 1903 it was finished. It has been a National Historic Monument since 1978 and a Site of Cultural Interest since 1982.

The building, built with an iron structure, has a functional and harmonious design and a rectangular floor plan. Félix Navarro had been to Paris and knew Les Halles, a work that undoubtedly influenced him when designing the central market. He planned a rectangular plan with three naves, the central one wider and higher. The whole structure rests on a semi-basement that was used as a warehouse and that on the outside has the appearance of a plinth.

The materials used combine stone and iron and glass architecture. The doorways have neoclassical elements alongside wrought iron grids. The capitals of the iron columns have original shapes, such as baskets, acanthus leaves, neoclassical palms and fruit clusters.

In the period 2018-2019, the City Council of Zaragoza is proceeding to its modernization rehabilitation, being the most important work carried out in the building since its inauguration. The Project is directed by José Antonio Aranaz, Municipal Architect and has been drafted by the technical services of the state company MERCASA.

February 5, 2020.