Mercat del Ninot, Cast-iron architecture market in L'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample, Spain
Mercat del Ninot is a marketplace building featuring cast-iron structural elements and large arched stained glass windows that illuminate its interior sections. The design combines traditional market spaces with early twentieth-century architectural details.
The building was constructed in 1933 by architects Antoni de Falguera and Joaquim Vilaseca i Rivera, replacing an older market that had operated since the late 1800s. This reconstruction reflected new architectural ideas of that period.
The market's name comes from a ship figurehead, and a replica of this sculpture greets visitors at the main entrance while the original rests in Barcelona's Maritime Museum. This maritime connection gives the place a distinctive character in the neighborhood.
The market features separate shopping areas and large windows that bring natural light into the interior, making daytime visits ideal. Visitors can easily navigate between different sections and spend time browsing various shops.
Iron panels integrated into the brick walls contain narrow openings that naturally ventilate the entire building without modern systems. This practical solution from that era shows thoughtful design for market operations.
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