On the site where the market now stands, there once existed a Dominican monastery dedicated to Santa Catalina, from the late 15th century to the early 17th century. It was expropriated for public use on April 27, 1837, as part of Mendizábal’s disentailment reforms.

The current mercado de abastos was designed by Ramón del Toro in 1842, modeled after the style of Castilian main squares. It features a large rectangular courtyard measuring 35 by 45 meters, with four porticoed galleries and spaces for 28 stalls, all in a Neoclassical style. Only a small portion of its wings corresponds to the old convent cloister.

Today, the square has shifted from being a bustling market to serving primarily as a leisure area. Cultural events are often held here on festive days, and new establishments, especially restaurants and cafés, have brought fresh life to the plaza.

The opening credits of ‘La Duquesa Roja’ showcase postcard-like images of various notable locations in Carmona, including the Plaza de Abastos. In this square, the film features a chaotic event advocating for the construction of a luxury development, with Agustín González brilliantly portraying “the great actor Manuel Cascajo.”

In contrast, for ‘The Liberator’, the square transforms into a lively Cartagena de Indias, complete with a central bonfire, celebrating the burgeoning South American independence.