Barcelona's La Boqueria market eyes UNESCO World Heritage status 

Barcelona's most famous market, La Boqueria, along with twelve other markets from around the world, has signed a petition asking UNESCO to recognize it as a World Heritage site. 

Representatives from the thirteen markets signed the letter this week in Florence, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Italian city's Central Market. 

Speaking in Florence, the president of La Boqueria, Jordi Mas, said UNESCO recognition would guarantee the preservation and protection of the markets "as historical sites." 

"Together with the rest of the representatives, we have agreed on the need to promote actions to protect the identity of our markets and reflect on the market of the future," Mas said. 

The other markets that signed the letter to UNESCO were Esperanza market in Santander (Spain), Torvehallerne in Copenhagen (Denmark), Nishiki market in Kyoto (Japan), Mathallen Oslo (Norway), Malmö Saluhall (Sweden), the English Market in Cork (Ireland), Markthalle Neun in Berlin (Germany), Riga Central Market (Latvia), the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem (Israel), Livorno's Central Market (Italy) and MeQ in Follonica (Italy). 

La Boqueria

Located on Barcelona's famous La Rambla boulevard and inaugurated in 1840, La Boqueria is the largest and oldest food market in Catalonia. Its character has changed in recent decades with over half of all the stalls now selling products directed more at tourists than locals. 

UNESCO World Heritage sites in Catalonia 

Barcelona and Catalonia boast many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including an ancient Roman amphitheater, prehistoric rock paintings, and the largest collection of Romanesque art in Europe. Listen to the podcast below to learn more.