Mercat de la Independència, Art Nouveau market in Terrassa, Spain
The Mercat de la Independència is a market building in central Terrassa with three fan-shaped halls of different lengths arranged inside. The roof is supported by numerous cast-iron columns and includes several glass panels that allow daylight to fill the interior spaces.
Terrassa's market was documented in 1207 at the Plaça Major, today Plaça Vella. The council agreed on 11 November 1896 to build a permanent hall on the site of the old Hospital de Sant Llàtzer, demolished from 30 October 1898. The first stone was laid on 4 July 1904 and the market opened on 14 November 1908.
The name commemorates the 1808 start of the Peninsular War, though "Mercat de la Llibertat" was also proposed. A plaque by the main entrance honours Sagrera, Vinyals, Viver and other citizens who died for the country's independence. The small hall sells fish and salted fish; the other two hold meat, fruit, vegetables, spices, legumes, groceries, self-service and restaurants.
The building is located near the city center and easily accessible on foot. The wide passages between vendor stalls allow comfortable shopping and good movement even during busy periods.
The roof is supported by approximately 50 massive iron columns that together form one of the largest iron frameworks in the city. These columns are not only functional but also show clearly the craftsmanship techniques of the early 20th century.
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