It was opened in 1872 and Fermín Vivaceta was in charge of its construction.

The market replaced the Plaza del Abasto, which was destroyed by a fire in 1864.

[1] The market is housed in a building in which its main feature is a cast-iron roof and supporting structure, which was fabricated by the Scottish firm R Laidlaw & Sons, Glasgow.

[1] Edward Woods and Charles Henry Driver took part in the design of the structure.

[1] The metal structure stands on a square base and features a vaulted ceiling.