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Shopping in the Market

Full of life, colors, and traditions, the Mercado Municipal has become a must-visit stop for anyone wanting to experience the soul of Temuco.

Strolling through a city´s market is the perfect way to experience the heart of its community. The colors, aromas, and flavors reveal the true essence of its people. There´s no better way to immerse yourself than by exploring Temuco´s Municipal Market, where everyday life and local tastes come alive.

This market, located in the heart of the city, began construction in 1928 and was inaugurated in May 1930. Originally known as Mercado de Abasto, it replaced the old recova that stood in front of Plaza Recabarren, which had been the main shopping hub in Temuco for decades.

In 1987, significant structural renovations modernized the building and expanded its facilities. However, a fire in 2016 marked a turning point in its history. While the exterior structures suffered minor damage, preserving the urban image of the building, the interior was destroyed.

In 2025, the market is undergoing reconstruction, and an ambitious project has been presented that seeks to restore its heritage value and integrate cultural and gastronomic spaces that reflect the local identity. The design includes a wooden roof that evokes its original hall, an upper floor for gastronomy with balconies overlooking the central square, and on the ground floor, an open and flexible space for food and craft kiosks, connecting with the urban vitality of the nearby streets.

The perimeter building will retain its historic entrances, keeping the collective memory alive while the interior is renewed for the future.

A stroll through the old market was always a feast for the senses: the bustling atmosphere, colorful shop windows, and aromas from traditional restaurants invited visitors to linger. Pailas marinas, mariscales, cazuelas, pastel de choclo, and humitas were part of the typical menu that delighted both locals and tourists a.

The artisans' shop also added its charm: wood, wool, leather, and clay crafts, along with delicate pieces of Mapuche silverwork, such as trapelakuchas, kilkais,sikil, reflected the identity of southern Chile.

Today, many are eagerly awaiting seeing how Temuco´s Municipal Market will be renovated without losing its essence as a lively space that combines history, culture, and tradition, and which will soon once again become one of the city´s most iconic locations.

See also: Hotels in Temuco and other accommodation venues