El Fontán Market
El Fontán Market is Oviedo's historic municipal market, set in a cast-iron and glass hall built in 1885. Twenty-five stalls sell Asturian cheeses, fresh fish, and local produce in the heart of the old quarter.
El Fontán Market is Oviedo's central indoor market, housed in a striking cast-iron and glass building designed by architect Javier Aguirre and opened in 1885. Located on Plaza 19 de Octubre in the old quarter, it opens Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturday from 8am to 3:30pm. With 25 stalls, it is one of the more intimate municipal markets in Oviedo, and one that has served local residents doing their daily shopping for well over a century.
History and architecture
The site has been a marketplace since the 16th century, when vendors gathered on a square built over a drained lagoon. The current hall dates to 1885 and covers around 2,000 square metres of cast-iron and glass construction, its pale green exterior and arched structure making it one of the most recognisable buildings in Oviedo's historic centre. The hall was sympathetically rebuilt between 1996 and 1999 to address structural issues while keeping the original proportions intact.
What to buy
The stalls cover the full range of everyday essentials: fresh meat, fish from the Cantabrian coast, fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread and pastries, and prepared foods. Asturias is one of Spain's principal cheese-making regions, and you'll find a good range of local varieties at El Fontán, from mild to intensely flavoured. Look out for bacalao (salted cod), which has its own dedicated section, and cured meats including homemade chorizo. The market has a food court where you can sit down and eat in, making it easy to turn a shopping trip into a light lunch.
Opening Hours
Every week — Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Thursday, Wednesday
| Day | Hours | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Open |
| Tuesday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Open |
| Wednesday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Open |
| Thursday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Open |
| Friday | 08:00 – 20:00 | Open |
| Saturday | 08:00 – 15:30 | Open |
| Sunday (today) | — | Closed |
Tours & Activities in Oviedo
What You'll Find
Location
How to get to El Fontán Market
El Fontán Market sits on Plaza 19 de Octubre in Oviedo's old quarter, a short walk from the cathedral and the main shopping streets. Most hotels in central Oviedo are within easy walking distance. Public buses serve nearby city centre stops. If you're arriving by car, free parking is available at Parking El Carbonero, close to the market. Right on the doorstep, the Fontán Street Market fills the surrounding plazas on Thursdays and Saturdays with clothing, books, and antiques.
Facilities & Accessibility
Contact & Details
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does El Fontán Market open? ▼
El Fontán Market opens at 8am Monday to Friday and closes at 8pm. On Saturdays it opens at 8am and closes at 3:30pm. The market is closed on Sundays, though the outdoor Fontán Street Market runs in the surrounding plazas on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
What is El Fontán Market famous for? ▼
El Fontán is best known for its Asturian produce, particularly its cheeses. Asturias has more than 20 officially recognised cheese varieties, and the market stalls reflect that range. It's also well regarded for fresh fish from the Bay of Biscay and its dedicated bacalao section. The 1885 cast-iron building is itself a draw: one of the most architecturally striking market halls in northern Spain.
Can you eat at El Fontán Market? ▼
Yes. The market has a food court where you can eat in. The surrounding plazas also have sidrerias and cafes, making it easy to combine a market visit with a meal or a glass of traditional Asturian cider.
How many stalls does El Fontán Market have? ▼
El Fontán Market has 25 stalls. Despite being a smaller market by Spanish standards, the produce is consistently high quality, with a strong focus on Asturian regional specialties including cheese, bacalao, cured meats, and fresh fish.
