In the aged market in Barcelona, Mercat de Santa Caterina, there are stories about the devil who appeared after witches gathered there for black masses.
Barcelona, a city steeped in history and affluent culture, holds many haunting tales. Among the many haunted places, the Santa Caterina Haunted Market stands out as one of the most intriguing.
The city's turbulent past, marked by wars, plagues and religious conflicts, has left an indelible mark on its architecture and folklore. Barcelona's historic buildings and narrow streets seem to hold the secrets of a bygone era, and the whispers of the past still echo in the cobblestone streets. From the Gothic Quarter to Montjuïc Castle, stories of ghost encounters and unexplained phenomena abound. This is also the case with the Santa Caterina Haunted Market, which truly captures the imagination, attracting thrill seekers and history enthusiasts alike.
Santa Caterina Market, located in the heart of Barcelona, has a history dating back over eight centuries. Let's take a look at the importance of this market and its connection to the supernatural.
History and importance of the Mercat de Santa Caterina
This aged Mercat de Santa Caterina market dates back to 1845, but its history is even longer. It was built on top of the Santa Caterina monastery from 1243. The Spanish government confiscated all church property in 1836, and the church itself was demolished just a year later.
Mercat de Santa Caterina was the first open-air market in Barcelona. Before it gained the recent, colorful roof for which it is notable today, it was a rattling roof that made violent noises, frightened children, and sometimes roof tiles or ceramics fell off during the biggest storms. People began to say that it was something other than the wind that was making the sounds and rattles, and even the devil himself appeared in these stories.
Local folklore and beliefs surrounding the haunted market
The Haunted Market of Santa Caterina has long been shrouded in local folklore and beliefs. Barcelona's residents have been passing on tales of the supernatural and strange for generations, creating a affluent collection of ghost stories and legends. The market square's proximity to the historic convent of Santa Caterina only adds to its mystery, as many believe that the spirits of the nuns who once lived there still roam the halls.
Among the many haunted legends and ghost stories associated with the Santa Caterina Haunted Market, one tale stands out as particularly chilling. According to local tradition, black masses of witches were once held on the market square, during which, according to numerous witnesses, the devil himself appeared.
Local tradition had it that whenever the Devil passed through Barcelona, he visited the place at midnight. During these obscure ceremonies, it is said that witches invoked supernatural forces and performed rituals to harness their power.
Reference:
Mercat de Santa Caterina, multicolored storm – Architecture walks and tours in Barcelona
Haunted and mysterious places in Barcelona | 19 Local Legends
Which saint visited the monastery built on the site of today's Santa Caterina market?
Image Source: Pixabay.com
