Some weekend ago I was lucky enough to come around a dressed-in-Christmas Madrid. And one of the destinations I wanted to visit the most was the San Miguel Market, a place I had known some years ago.
It is about one of the most ancient markets of Madrid, an example of iron-made architecture with a beautiful roof, columns and decoration that have been able to stand on foot. It is located just 60 meters from the Main Square from Madrid (towards the West) in the San Miguel Square.
After two years of construction works, the ancient local market has transformed in a gourmet area, intended to local people and tourists who seek for an entire gastronomic experience.
The market is set up by means of two central mall kiosks with high tables along the place, and approximately 30 stands where gastronomic products are sold, some of them housing a bar, where you can buy and eat, or simply take something to go.
The offer is very wide: Swedish tapas (it works out at 1 euro each one), Valencian sweets, oysters (2,50 euros each one), wine cellars (2 euros a glass), bulk fruits (or a glass of cut fruit at 1,5 euros), cold meats, a corner where we can only find several types of olives (one appetizer works out at 2 euros), hams (one single portion costs from 4 euros on), flowers, nuts and dried fruits, high quality kitchenware, combined fruit juices (a mini one at 1 euro while a medium one including 3 fruits at 3 euros), ice creams, candies, fresh poultry, cheeses, fresh pastas, handmade and organic baker’s shops, etc.
I knew the Market some years ago, when it was the real place for the quarter to obtain a supply. Its structure had always been spectacular, but the abandonment state was notable. Today, after being recycled and restored, with a splendid combination of crystal and iron, it has become in a place for the gourmet cuisine’s lovers.
According to what I have seen in the general sale scale, the prices are not very “popular” but there are many products that are not easy to find in some other general markets. It is more about a gastronomic walk.
During Christmas, for some days, after 7:00 p.m., the market will be exclusively illuminated with candles in order to put an even more exclusive touch to it.
The market opens on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sundays from 10.00 hours to 24.00 hours. On Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays, from 10.00 hours to 02.00 hours. On December 24th and 31st that market will close from 15.00 hours on.
Picture by jlastras
