Mercado de Ciudad Jardín Malaga

A Protected Piece of 1950s Málaga

Mercado de Ciudad Jardín is more than a food market - it's a municipally protected building and an icon of its neighbourhood. The whitewashed walls, semicircular arches, and austere post-war design make it architecturally significant, while inside, 59 vendors continue the daily rhythms of local commerce.

Located in northern Málaga's Ciudad Jardín district, this is where residents have shopped since 1953. No tourists, no gourmet food halls - just an honest neighbourhood market doing what it's done for 70 years.

History and Architecture

The market was designed by architect Luis Gutiérrez Mérida and built between 1950-1953, opening officially on 18 July 1953. The building exemplifies autarkic architecture - the austere, functional style of post-war Spain.

Architectural features:

• Central facade with three semicircular arches
• Whitewashed exterior walls
• Functional, no-frills interior layout

The building has been renovated three times (1982, 2003, 2008) while maintaining its protected status. It's now recognised as a significant example of mid-20th-century Málaga architecture.

What to Buy

The market's 59 stalls divide into three categories:

Fish Tables

Fresh seafood from local waters - the fish section is a key draw for neighbourhood shoppers who prefer market freshness over supermarket convenience.

Fruit and Vegetable Stalls

Seasonal produce from local farms. Vendors know their regulars and often set aside the best items for loyal customers.

Casetas (Small Vendor Booths)

Meat, charcutería, dairy, bread, and everyday groceries. Long-standing family businesses serving multiple generations.

Thursday Street Market

Don't miss the Mercadillo de Ciudad Jardín - a large weekly street market:

Detail	Info
When	Every Thursday, 9am-2pm
Where	Avenida Jacinto Benavente (by sports centre)
Size	~120 stalls
Products	Produce, clothing, footwear, flowers, sweets, jewellery

This is one of Málaga's larger street markets and worth timing your visit around.

Getting There

The market is on Avenida de Santiago Ramón y Cajal in northern Málaga:

• By bus: Several lines serve the Ciudad Jardín neighbourhood
• By car: Street parking available in surrounding residential area
• On foot: About 25 minutes from the historic centre

For central options, see our Málaga markets guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours of Mercado Ciudad Jardín?

The market is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Closed Sundays.

Why is Mercado Ciudad Jardín protected?

The building is a municipally protected example of 1950s autarkic architecture, designed by Luis Gutiérrez Mérida. Its whitewashed walls and semicircular arches represent post-war Spanish design.

When is the Ciudad Jardín street market?

The Mercadillo de Ciudad Jardín runs every Thursday from 9am to 2pm on Avenida Jacinto Benavente, near the sports centre. It has around 120 stalls selling produce, clothing, flowers, and more.

How many stalls does Mercado Ciudad Jardín have?

The market has 59 stalls divided into fish tables, fruit and vegetable stalls, and casetas (small vendor booths) for meat, dairy, and groceries.

Is Mercado Ciudad Jardín worth visiting?

Yes, if you want an authentic local experience. It's not a tourist destination - it's where Ciudad Jardín residents actually shop. The 1950s architecture adds historical interest.

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