San Miguel Market

The Mercado de San Miguel, located in the historic heart of Madrid, is much more than just a market: it is an architectural gem and a gastronomic destination that embodies the vibrant soul of the city. Inaugurated in 1916, the market is one of the few remaining iron buildings in Madrid, an extraordinary example of modernist architecture that has managed to preserve its original charm over the decades. The history of the Mercado de San Miguel is deeply linked to the urban transformation of Madrid. The market stands on the site of the ancient church of San Miguel de los Octoes, demolished in 1809. The project for the construction of the market began in 1911 and was entrusted to the architect Alfonso Dubé y Díez, who designed a structure in iron and glass, inspired by the Parisian markets of the time. This architectural choice not only gave the market a light and transparent aesthetic, but also allowed for the creation of a bright and welcoming space.For much of the 20th century, the Mercado de San Miguel was a traditional food market, where local residents went to buy fresh products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. However, in the late 1990s, the market began to decline, threatened by competition from supermarkets and the modernization of food distribution. In 2003, the market temporarily closed to undergo an ambitious renovation project, aimed at transforming it into a center of gastronomic excellence.The reopening of the Mercado de San Miguel in 2009 marked the beginning of a new era. Thanks to a careful and respectful restoration of the original architecture, the market was reborn as a reference point for Madrid and international gastronomy. Today, the market is one of the main tourist attractions in the city, visited every day by thousands of people eager to taste the culinary delights offered by its numerous stands.The market hosts over thirty stalls offering a wide range of high-quality food products. Visitors can find everything from Iberian hams to fresh oysters, from artisanal cheeses to traditional sweets. Each stand is run by industry experts, ready to share their passion for food and offer advice on pairings and tastings. Among the most famous are “El Señor Martín,” known for its fresh fish, and “Mozheart,” specializing in buffalo mozzarella.