The Santana Market or Mercado de Sant'Ana

The Mercato Santana, or Mercado de Sant'Ana, is a building located in the center of Leiria, Portugal. It was created to host the Municipal Market.

Since 2002 it has been used as a cultural center.

History

The building was designed by Ernesto Korrodi and built in 1929. The building was to serve as a municipal market, hitherto installed in Praça Rodrigues Lobo.

It was in this place (together with the Fonte Luminosa and the building of the former Banco Nacional Ultramarino, also designed by Ernesto Korrodi) that the Church and the Convent of Santana existed, which were later demolished in 1916. Of these only the portals that were once relocated and incorporated into the Guardhouse of Leiria Castle.

The space, having undergone restoration work, is now a cultural center, with a stage installed at the southern end of the building. In the west wing of the building there is also the Miguel Franco Theater, with a capacity of over 200 seats. Santana Market is currently in the process of being classified as a Cultural Heritage.