Market on the rise

ALMERIA’S central market is finally on track to be de‐clared a Site of Cultural In‐terest (BIC) after a 44‐year campaign, according to an announcement given on Friday, April 7.

Built in a unique architec‐tural style, the iron building was the first market in the city and it has been a focal point of commerce and trade in the city, attracting locals and tourists alike. Pri‐or to its completion in 1897, goods exchanges had taken place at street stalls scat‐tered throughout the city, a custom since the Middle Ages.

The market’s historical and architectural value is being documented by au‐thorities who are preparing a new report to guarantee protection of its historical heritage. Its value as a his‐torical and architectural landmark has not gone un‐noticed, and many have ex‐ pressed their support for the latest initiative to finally grant it the BIC status it de‐serves.

This is the sixth such at‐tempt to declare the build‐ing as a BIC, but previous at‐tempts had not succeeded.

Architects are optimistic that the current efforts will bear fruit, as the preserva‐tion of this 19th ‐ century building would add to the city’s value and encourage more people to visit.