Plaça de les Peixateries Velles

In the heart of the historical center of Reus lies a cozy corner that preserves the memory of past trading traditions—Plaça de les Peixateries Velles. This picturesque space, whose name translates to "Square of the Old Fish Markets," once served as the main hub for fish and meat trade in this part of Spain.

Plaça de les Peixateries Velles. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, the square is an elegant architectural ensemble with open porticoes and arcades. It is located at the foot of the majestic Prioral de Sant Pere church and retains the unique structure of an ancient market. The entrances to the square are decorated with graceful sculptures depicting baskets filled with seafood and meat products, highlighting its historical significance.

The site is a favorite among tourists and locals alike thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and Neoclassical appearance, which was shaped in the mid-19th century. Today, instead of bustling market stalls, there are cozy restaurants and cafes where you can relax in the shade of the stone vaults while admiring the details of the historic buildings.

To clarify information about the businesses on the square or details regarding its architectural heritage, you can use the following official information:

The main pleasure of visiting this place is a leisurely stroll under the stone porticoes. Be sure to notice the Neoclassical sculptures by Joan Roig, created in 1853. These realistic marble bas-reliefs, depicting baskets of fresh fish and meat, look surprisingly elegant and serve as a reminder of the square's market past.

Gastronomy enthusiasts should stop by one of the restaurants located right under the arcades. It is an excellent spot to try traditional Catalan cuisine or fresh seafood. The terraces offer a magnificent view of the neighboring Sant Pere Church with its impressive 62-meter bell tower, which serves as a wonderful backdrop for photographs.

Don't forget to walk to the sculpture "The Wind" (El Vent), located at the junction of the square and the church. It symbolizes the dynamic spirit of the city and harmoniously complements the historical atmosphere. If you walk a bit further through the Portal dels Jueus (Jewish Gate), you can enter the ancient "Call" quarter, which will make your walk even more rich and educational.

Finding Plaça de les Peixateries Velles is easy, as it is located in the very heart of the historical center at Carrer de les Peixateries. If you are already walking through the main square, Plaça del Mercadal, or along Carrer Major, the walk to this location will take only 5–10 minutes at a leisurely pace.

For those traveling to Reus from other cities such as Barcelona or Tarragona, it is most convenient to use the train (Reus station) or an intercity bus. From the railway station, you can reach the square on foot in about 15–20 minutes, enjoying the views of the city's Modernist architecture, or take a local taxi or bus heading to the center.

Since the square is located in a pedestrian zone, you cannot drive directly to it by car. It is recommended to leave your vehicle in one of the paid parking lots near the old town and continue on foot, which allows you to better experience the atmosphere of the medieval streets.

The history of this site is rooted in the deep past—the first mentions of fish and meat trade in this area, then known as Plaça de les Pescateries, date back to the 15th century. In those days, the square was located in the "lower part" of the city near the ancient cemetery and the old municipal building, serving as the main commercial hub.

Plaça de les Peixateries Velles acquired its modern appearance in the mid-19th century, around 1853. During a large-scale reconstruction, the space was significantly expanded, and elegant porticoes and symmetrical buildings were added, giving the market area a more orderly and ceremonial look.

The sculptural compositions in the niches deserve special attention. They were created by a young native of the city, Joan Roig, who was only 18 years old at the time. This was his first public commission, executed in a strict Neoclassical style using white marble. The sculptures depict baskets of food, recalling the original purpose of the site.

Interestingly, a massive metal roof used to be installed over the square. It was later dismantled, transforming the enclosed market into an open public space that is today harmoniously integrated into the city's historical environment, adjacent to the ancient Jewish quarter.

For a quick look at the square and its architectural details, 30–60 minutes is usually sufficient. This is enough time to examine the marble bas-reliefs, take a few atmospheric photos, and appreciate the Neoclassical style of the porticoes.

If you plan to visit one of the local restaurants under the arches or combine your visit with a tour of the neighboring Sant Pere Church, you should set aside about 1.5–2 hours. In the evening, when the lights come on, you may want to linger longer to simply enjoy the calm pace of life in the old town.

Like most public spaces in the city, Plaça de les Peixateries Velles is open to visitors 24 hours a day. You can come here early in the morning to enjoy the silence, or late in the evening when the arches are beautifully illuminated.

The operating hours of the restaurants and cafes located on the square usually coincide with the traditional Spanish schedule: lunch from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and dinner after 8:00 PM. During the rest of the time, the square remains an open space for walks.

A walk through the center of Reus is an endless discovery of new architectural and cultural treasures. Just a few steps from the old fish markets, you will find Modernist masterpieces and lively squares that help you better understand the character of this Catalan city.