Santa Caterina Market total reform and the public space surrounding it is the first reform made after that of the thirties, when the top covering was renewed. The oldest Market in Barcelona was opened in 1848, when the city was still fortified and it used to offer its service to almost all the city.
The present works have renovated almost completely Santa Catering’s inner part, which includes the supermarket.
The market reforms were affected by the fact that archaeological remains of great importance were found when the work started what, in turns, obliged to carry out some investigation that caused a delay in the restoring work. The remodelling project foresees that the apse archaeological remains, belonging to the old Santa Caterina convent, will be available for visitors once the market is finished.
The final project, elaborated by Enric Miralles i Benedetta Tagliabue studio
(EMBT Arquitectes Associats) includes, apart from what is strictly the building
of Santa Caterina Market, an underground goods loading and unloading area,
a car park for customers with direct access to the market and residential
facilities for old people, with approximately 40 flats, near a park. Pneumatic
collecting residues central for the whole Old Quarter is also to be built.
The market also has spectacular wooden top coverings. There is also a canopy from the market to Cambó Avenue, towards Vía Layetana. Thus, Santa Caterina Market will be accessible for pedestrian from Via Layetana.
