1100
First reference to the market
The first version of the Mercado da Ribeira Velha was on the square known as Praça do Pelourinho (now Praça do Município, site of the city hall)
The best
of Lisbon
Why is a famous publishing name hanging from the roof of a historic market hall? And why is a team of journalists running one of the world's largest gourmet food spaces? The answers to these questions are in the project's name: Time Out Market.
A concept created from scratch in 2014 by the team at Time Out Portugal, with only the best ideas and business projects in Lisbon - according to the editorial team - which can stay in the market from one week to three years. If it’s good, it goes in the magazine, if it’s great, it goes into the market.
On the one hand, 24 restaurants, 8 bars, a dozen shops and a high-end music venue, all with the very best in Lisbon (the best steak, the best hamburger, the best sushi and the best live performances, amongst others); on the other hand, home to some of the city's best known (and longest-running) market vendors of meat, fish, fruit and flowers.
Today, together, both sides are proud of having turned the building, its immediate surroundings and the whole Cais do Sodré neighbourhood into a huge attraction for visitors, day and night.
A place that previously housed the city's best vendors now houses its best restaurants and artists. While the wares on offer may differ, the principle is the same: bringing the best of the city under one roof.
HOW DO WE DO IT
Gallery
See inside the Time Out Market Lisbon
Timeline
history of the Market
1600
A market renowned across Europe
The Mercado da Ribeira, now operating in front of the Casa dos Bicos, at the foot of Alfama, was by now renowned abroad.
1755
Great Earthquake
The great quake that shook the whole city destroyed the old Mercado da Ribeira Velha.
April 1771
Mercado da Ribeira Nova
First minister the Marquês de Pombal created a new network of markets, including the Mercado da Ribeira Nova on a spot nearer the current site.
January 1882
Inauguration of market hall
Part of the new market hall as we know it today, designed by Frederico Ressano Garcia, was inaugurated on New Year's Day.
June 1893
Fire in the market
A great fire destroyed part of the building's east wing.
1902
Enlargement of market
The first project to enlarge the market hall was overseen by architect João Piloto.
1930
Completion of enlargement work
It was at this point that the building's cupola was added – prompting the local nickname ‘Mesquita do Nabo’ (Turnip Mosque).
1940
Redesign of market
More changes in the Mercado da Ribeira with the addition of new shops and stone counters.
1980
Closure of poultry slaughterhouse
The Mercado da Ribeira saw the end of one of its main activities with the closure of the section where live birds were slaughtered.
1983
Construction of new shops
More new shops were added in the Mercado da Ribeira.
1999
Market clock tells the time again
Now with a new face designed by one of Portugal's leading master clockmakers, António Franco.
July 2000
End of wholesale market
With the opening of the MARL supply facility on the edge of town, the Mercado da Ribeira lost its role as Lisbon's wholesale market.
2001
Upgrading of first floor
Start of work to upgrade the first floor, with a restaurant and space for events.
2010
Time Out wins city council competition
The team that founded Time Out Lisboa magazine won the concession to take over part of the market's ground floor and its first floor.
January 2013
Archaeological discoveries
Archaeological excavation in Praça Dom Luís I revealed the existence of a Roman foundry, in use from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD.
November 2013
Start of work on Time Out Market
Work finally starts in the area marked out for the Time Out Market concession.
18 May 2014
Inauguration of Time Out Market Lisboa
At noon the doors of the Time Out Market opened to the public for the first time.
September 2015
Time Out Market
The concept that Time Out Portugal has developed at Lisbon's Mercado da Ribeira market hall is to be replicated by the Time Out Group around the world.
