Mercado de San Miguel: The Iron Temple of Gourmet Tapas

Why is it significant?

Stop right before the soaring glass and ornate black cast-iron framework of the Mercado de San Miguel. Look through the sparkling glass at the vibrant stalls overflowing with crimson slices of cured Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, skewers of Cantabrian anchovies, and chilled glasses of Rioja wine.

Key Facts

Open the walk

Stop right before the soaring glass and ornate black cast-iron framework of the Mercado de San Miguel. Look through the sparkling glass at the vibrant stalls overflowing with crimson slices of cured Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, skewers of Cantabrian anchovies, and chilled glasses of Rioja wine. You are looking at the only surviving nineteenth-century iron food market in all of Madrid.

Inaugurated in May nineteen sixteen, the market was inspired by the great glass market halls of Paris like Les Halles. Before the iron pavilion was erected, this open square housed a fish and produce market that stood on the graveyard of the medieval San Miguel Church, which had burned to the ground in eighteen zero nine.

By the late twentieth century, modern supermarkets almost drove this historic market to closure. In two thousand and nine, private culinary investors restored the antique iron columns, turning it into Spain's premier gastronomic food hall where master chefs and sommeliers showcase regional artisan tapas.

Savor the tempting aromas before continuing along Calle Mayor toward Plaza de la Villa.