FOOD MARKET
30 minutes
Salamanca's Central Market is located in the Plaza del Mercado, next to the Plaza Mayor, with which it visually communicates through the Arch of Toro or San Fernando. It is the city's oldest food market. It was built between 1899 and 1907 by the architect from Jerez, Joaquín de Vargas y Aguirre, the same architect responsible for the Casa de Lis. It follows the model of the Parisian Les Halles markets, which were the reference for many European markets of the time. Today, its visit is a must on any tourist route through Salamanca, as in addition to the beauty of the building, typical products of the province of Salamanca can be purchased there, such as Guijuelo Ham, Morucha beef, Arribes cheese, and La Armuña lentils.
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Free visit price
- Individual - 0.00 €
Since the 12th century, Salamanca had markets where citizens could stock up on all kinds of products. The first market of which there is record was the Azogue Viejo, located in the vicinity of the Old Cathedral. Around the same time, another large market emerged in the northern area, in the Plaza de San Martín. Its dimensions were such that it came to be considered “the largest in Christendom”. During the 18th century, the current Plaza Mayor was erected in this space. The main market moved to the eastern area of the old Plaza de San Martín, which became known as Plaza de la Verdura (Vegetable Square). At the end of the 19th century, the current covered market was built in this same location, consolidating its commercial function.
The construction of Salamanca's Food Market is part of the broad debate that emerged in the 19th century about urban modernization through the creation of new infrastructures. In that context, special emphasis was placed on improving water pipes and sewage systems, as well as on creating enclosed, well-ventilated markets that would guarantee optimal conditions for selling fresh products. Salamanca Market is part of the tradition of large European markets, inspired by the model of Les Halles in Paris (1854-1866). In Spain, cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valladolid had already had these types of markets for years.
Like its predecessors, the building follows the principles of 19th-century iron architecture. However, its late construction might explain the limited use of metallic enclosures, prioritizing solid walls made of granite and brick. In those years, the effectiveness of iron from a hygienic perspective began to be questioned.
The project was commissioned to architect Joaquín de Vargas y Aguirre, while the metallic structure was made in Madrid. The execution of the work, set for two years, stretched over eleven years due to lack of budget and urban planning problems that arose with the owners of the buildings on the north facade of the square, known as Portales del Pan.
After the removal of the traditional wooden stalls that housed the market's stands, construction began in 1899 and lasted until 1907. During this extensive period, merchants were forced to distribute their stalls across various city squares. Plaza de San Julián hosted the vegetable and produce stalls, while Plaza de San Justo was designated for fish. The rest of the stalls were located in Plaza del Peso, Santa Eulalia, Plaza de la Libertad, and Plaza de Anaya, forming provisional markets until the completion of the works.
The Food Market officially opened its doors in 1909, but its interior had already been discovered by citizens two years earlier, during the Regional Exhibition of 1907. At that event, the venue housed sections dedicated to industry and Fine Arts, offering visitors a preview of what this emblematic space would become.
Over the years, several urban renovation projects proposed the demolition of the market, something that, fortunately, never materialized. On the contrary, since the late 20th century, significant reforms have been carried out in its facilities, including the modernization of sales stalls and the restoration of its exterior facades. In the restoration carried out in 2019, Art Deco style stained-glass windows were installed in doors and windows, historical grilles were restored, and a comprehensive cleaning of the facade was performed. Thanks to these improvements, the Central Food Market has established itself as an essential tourist attraction for those wishing to discover the excellent products of the province of Salamanca.
The construction of Salamanca's Food Market is part of the broad debate that emerged in the 19th century about urban modernization through the creation of new infrastructures. In that context, special emphasis was placed on improving water pipes and sewage systems, as well as on creating enclosed, well-ventilated markets that would guarantee optimal conditions for selling fresh products. Salamanca Market is part of the tradition of large European markets, inspired by the model of Les Halles in Paris (1854-1866). In Spain, cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valladolid had already had these types of markets for years.
Like its predecessors, the building follows the principles of 19th-century iron architecture. However, its late construction might explain the limited use of metallic enclosures, prioritizing solid walls made of granite and brick. In those years, the effectiveness of iron from a hygienic perspective began to be questioned.
The project was commissioned to architect Joaquín de Vargas y Aguirre, while the metallic structure was made in Madrid. The execution of the work, set for two years, stretched over eleven years due to lack of budget and urban planning problems that arose with the owners of the buildings on the north facade of the square, known as Portales del Pan.
After the removal of the traditional wooden stalls that housed the market's stands, construction began in 1899 and lasted until 1907. During this extensive period, merchants were forced to distribute their stalls across various city squares. Plaza de San Julián hosted the vegetable and produce stalls, while Plaza de San Justo was designated for fish. The rest of the stalls were located in Plaza del Peso, Santa Eulalia, Plaza de la Libertad, and Plaza de Anaya, forming provisional markets until the completion of the works.
The Food Market officially opened its doors in 1909, but its interior had already been discovered by citizens two years earlier, during the Regional Exhibition of 1907. At that event, the venue housed sections dedicated to industry and Fine Arts, offering visitors a preview of what this emblematic space would become.
Over the years, several urban renovation projects proposed the demolition of the market, something that, fortunately, never materialized. On the contrary, since the late 20th century, significant reforms have been carried out in its facilities, including the modernization of sales stalls and the restoration of its exterior facades. In the restoration carried out in 2019, Art Deco style stained-glass windows were installed in doors and windows, historical grilles were restored, and a comprehensive cleaning of the facade was performed. Thanks to these improvements, the Central Food Market has established itself as an essential tourist attraction for those wishing to discover the excellent products of the province of Salamanca.
Located in the current Plaza del Mercado, opposite the Soportales de San Antonio, Salamanca's Central Market is a large building situated in the middle of the square it names. It has two stories. Its almost square floor plan measures 40 x 44 meters, giving it a total area of 1,760 square meters. The structure is made of iron, while its exterior enclosure combines granite ashlar with exposed brick walls, iron, and glass. This diversity of materials provides it with remarkable chromatic richness.
The market's exterior consists of three superimposed bodies. At the base, a solid granite plinth supports an intermediate brick body, upon which the upper structure rises. The latter features large cast-iron arcades, with glazed enclosures and fixed iron shutters, which surround the upper part of the building, allowing for optimal natural lighting and ventilation. It has a hipped roof on two levels, joined by a perimeter skylight that allows light and ventilation to enter. The entire roof structure rests on twelve large cast-iron columns over 12 meters high. The result is a spacious and open-plan area, without compartmentalization.
The circulation paths start from the entrance doors and cross in the center, forming a roundabout or small square for which Vargas designed a fountain with a sculpture that was never built. Another peripheral street surrounds the entire space.
Classical influences are evident in the decoration of the main door, which is structured like a Roman triumphal arch, and in the gallery with semicircular openings that runs along the entire perimeter of the main body.
The market's exterior consists of three superimposed bodies. At the base, a solid granite plinth supports an intermediate brick body, upon which the upper structure rises. The latter features large cast-iron arcades, with glazed enclosures and fixed iron shutters, which surround the upper part of the building, allowing for optimal natural lighting and ventilation. It has a hipped roof on two levels, joined by a perimeter skylight that allows light and ventilation to enter. The entire roof structure rests on twelve large cast-iron columns over 12 meters high. The result is a spacious and open-plan area, without compartmentalization.
The circulation paths start from the entrance doors and cross in the center, forming a roundabout or small square for which Vargas designed a fountain with a sculpture that was never built. Another peripheral street surrounds the entire space.
Classical influences are evident in the decoration of the main door, which is structured like a Roman triumphal arch, and in the gallery with semicircular openings that runs along the entire perimeter of the main body.