Recinto Ferial

A peculiar circular brick-and-arcade structure on the western edge of Albacete, the Recinto Ferial is the permanent home of the Feria de Albacete, declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest and one of the largest in Spain. The fair runs from 7–17 September each year — ten days of bullfights, processions, livestock shows, flamenco and tourist crowds, with concerts and fireworks every night.

Out of season the fairground is open as a public space and worth a half-hour walk-through: it is the only building of its kind in Europe. Bring a camera for the arcades; bring patience for the parking if you come during the fair.

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A story
The fairground was built between 1710 and 1783 in the shape of a giant *redondel* (round) — a single ring of low arcaded buildings enclosing a vast circular courtyard, designed to hold the bull pens, fonda kitchens and stalls of a trading fair that has run almost continuously since the 13th century. King Philip V granted the fair its royal charter in 1710; it has not stopped since.

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