Its built area of 10,000 square metres (110,000 sq ft) makes it the biggest covered market in Europe.

The Ribera St. is between the banks of the river and the buildings of the Old Town, also known as the "Siete Calles" in Spanish or "Zazpi kaleak" in Basque that is the main commercial area of the city.

It was recognized in 1990 as the most complete municipal food market by the Guinness Book of Records.

It is the largest in terms of traders and stalls and the biggest covered market as regards space in the whole of Europe, with a surface area of 10,000 square metres.

Refurbishment work began mid-2009 aimed at renewing its structure, stalls and services to remain a reference for shoppers in the 21st century.