An emblematic market

The most important and oldest antiques and second-hand market in Barcelona is the Fira de Bellcaire, better known as the Mercat dels Encants de Barcelona.Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m, it is now located towards the south of Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, under a modern, futuristic structure, built to improve the conditions of the traders and to increase the capacity of visitors. The building has a stainless steel and glass roof which becomes a play of mirrors.

The Mercat dels Encants de Barcelona-Fira de Bellcaire is considered to be one of the oldest fairs in Europe and some think that it could date back to the 15th century. What is certain is that since 1929, it has been located in Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, where generations of traders and buyers have been able to sell or buy all types of old,new, curious or conventional articles at very affordable prices.

A mixture of past and present

Apart from the stalls which are set up every day,every Monday,Wednesday and Friday the famous auction , attended by antique collectors and enthusiasts of old articles, and unique in Catalonia and Europe, is held at seven in the morning .Today’s mixture of old traders,lifelong locals,tourists and young people looking for vintage clothes,makes Els Encants an interesting place to lose yourself for a while.