The Boqueria Market of today has gone through many transformations. There is proof that this travelling market was set up at the Pla de la Boqueria gateway in Barcelona’s wall since 1217. Over time it was transferred to the middle of the Rambla until the Rambla gradually became an important boulevard. Since the market gave a poor image, efforts were made to move it several times. Between 1700 and 1900, the market grew constantly and was moved all around the centre of the town. In 1835, the Sant Josep convent was destroyed and was considered at first as a site for the market. However, when the authorities saw the size of the market stalls they were forced to look for a more solid location where there would be less moving about. This is when the market was moved to its current location. Mas Vilà was the architect behind the structure, and construction got underway in 1840. By 1841, the market was already considered to small, and the first plot was joined by a second adjacent plot. Construction had to be stopped and a new design was commissioned, leading to what is indeed the market we are familiar with today. The market with the metal roof was opened n 1914. From then on, the market began to be modernised and undergo sanitary, aesthetic and decorative improvements. Today the Boqueria has more than 300 shops (or stalls, as the shops inside it are called) arranged along eleven aisles.