The Threshold of the Extramuros World: Puerta de Toledo and Mercado Central

In the thirteenth century, Zaragoza expanded west of its old Roman city through a new development known as the Población del Rey, which grew around the church of San Pablo. This urban shift beyond the ancient walls was defined by commercial activity. A major milestone occurred in 1210 when the grain market was transferred to the Puerta de Toledo, a move that helped shape San Pablo as a strongly commercial expansion during the thirteenth century. Further solidifying this market zone, trade privileges were confirmed by Jaime I in 1218. Today, the area around the Mercado Central marks this historic threshold where the medieval city expanded beyond its ancient perimeter.