Central Market of Zaragoza

The Central Market of Zaragoza, also known as the Lanuza Market, was designed in 1895 by the Aragonese architect Félix Navarro Pérez to replace the traditional open-air market held in the old market square.

It was commissioned by the New Market Society of Zaragoza and completed in 1903.

It has been a National Historic Monument since 1978 and a Site of Cultural Interest since 1982.

The building, constructed with an iron frame, has a functional and harmonious design and a rectangular floor plan.

Félix Navarro had been to Paris and was familiar with Les Halles, a building that undoubtedly influenced his design of the central market. He planned a rectangular floor plan with three naves, the central one being wider and taller. The entire structure rests on a semi-basement that served as a warehouse and which, from the outside, presents the appearance of a plinth. The materials used combine stone with iron and glass architecture. The facades feature neoclassical elements (arched galleries, sculptural decoration of allegories of agriculture, hunting, fishing and transport, medallions, pinnacles topped with fruit bowls) alongside wrought iron grids. The capitals of the iron columns have original shapes, such as small baskets, acanthus leaves, neoclassical palms, and bunches of fruit. Between 2018 and 2019, the Zaragoza City Council carried out its restoration, the most significant work undertaken on the building since its inauguration. The project was directed by José Antonio Aranaz, the Municipal Architect, and drafted by the technical services of the state-owned company MERCASA. Its reopening took place on February 5, 2020. The market offers a wide variety of products; Fish and seafood, cod, meats, sausages, chicken, frozen foods, pickles, flowers, fruits and vegetables, nuts, bread, offal, etc. Four gastronomic spaces complement the 74 market stalls.