The Atarazanas Municipal Market, also popularly known as the “central market,” is one of the main municipal markets in Málaga and was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1979.
It was originally a 14th-century Nasrid shipyard. The original monumental marble gate of the complex is preserved from that period, having been moved to the center of the main façade during the works carried out by the architect Joaquín de Rucoba between 1876 and 1879 (the year of its inauguration).
The old Muslim building influenced the design of the new market, which is in a Neo-Moorish style with Nasrid elements and influences from Emirate and Caliphate art. It consists of a metal framework made mostly of iron from Málaga’s old steel industry, enclosed with stone and masonry. At the rear, this entrance corresponds to another metal one featuring a large semicircular arch with a glass window.
Between 2008 and 2010, a new renovation was carried out to restore its original design. It houses 260 stalls.
Today, it is one of the city’s most important commercial hubs, where locals and visitors alike come daily to buy fresh produce or enjoy fried fish tapas.