Mercado da Graça (Grace Market), Ponta Delgada
Grace Market, originating in the mid-19th century, was a pivotal replacement for the former trade sites for agricultural and livestock goods, like the "Mercado do Pelourinho" in Matriz’s southern part, and the "Arcades of the Fair" near Cais da Terra. This market, positioned adjacent to the Convento da Graça, was emblematic of the emerging liberal ideals in the country, aiming to establish a dignified and proper trading hub within the city.
Its construction faced multiple proposed locations by the City Council, including the desecrated Church of São José, land in Largo do Colégio, presently occupied by Jardim Antero de Quental, among others. Initiated in 1848 per the Chamber’s decree of March 16, 1847, the market development witnessed further deliberations for the establishment of a second market in São José by December 30, 1849.
A significant feature included the inauguration of a marble fountain with four spouts at the center of the market on April 4, 1852. This fountain, later relocated to Largo do Poço Velho in São Roque, arrived from Lisbon along with the Praça Velha Fountain.
This bustling covered market is a treasure trove of fresh fruits, vegetables, and an assortment of traditional liquors and local souvenirs. One of the main highlights here is the diverse selection of locally grown pineapples. Delicately packaged and ready for travel, these pineapples often come in attractive boxes that are perfect to take on the plane. However, travelers should ensure the rules regarding bringing fresh fruit from overseas are followed to avoid any issues with customs regulations in their home country.
Its construction faced multiple proposed locations by the City Council, including the desecrated Church of São José, land in Largo do Colégio, presently occupied by Jardim Antero de Quental, among others. Initiated in 1848 per the Chamber’s decree of March 16, 1847, the market development witnessed further deliberations for the establishment of a second market in São José by December 30, 1849.
A significant feature included the inauguration of a marble fountain with four spouts at the center of the market on April 4, 1852. This fountain, later relocated to Largo do Poço Velho in São Roque, arrived from Lisbon along with the Praça Velha Fountain.
This bustling covered market is a treasure trove of fresh fruits, vegetables, and an assortment of traditional liquors and local souvenirs. One of the main highlights here is the diverse selection of locally grown pineapples. Delicately packaged and ready for travel, these pineapples often come in attractive boxes that are perfect to take on the plane. However, travelers should ensure the rules regarding bringing fresh fruit from overseas are followed to avoid any issues with customs regulations in their home country.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ponta Delgada. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Mercado da Graça (Grace Market) on Map
Sight Name: Mercado da Graça (Grace Market)
Sight Location: Ponta Delgada, Portugal (See walking tours in Ponta Delgada)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ponta Delgada, Portugal (See walking tours in Ponta Delgada)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Ponta Delgada
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ponta Delgada is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ponta Delgada Introduction Walking Tour
The regional capital of the Azores archipelago, Ponta Delgada is a rewarding introduction to this remote Portuguese territory. The city lies on the south coast of São Miguel, the archipelago's largest island, and is one of the world's great adventure tourism destinations.
The Ponta Delgada name translates from Portuguese to "delicate or thin point", tracing its origins to a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The Ponta Delgada name translates from Portuguese to "delicate or thin point", tracing its origins to a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles