Unusual Finds in Madrid's Old Markets
Wandering Around the Markets of Old Madrid is a Defining Experience
Oct 24, 2008 Peter John Shearing
Madrid's antiques scene is centred around La Latina, south west of central Madrid. Here the goods range from serious antiquities, relatively useful bric-à-brac to complete and utter junk. Notwithstanding the quality of goods on offer, Old Madrid’s markets make for fascinating shopping and discovering unusual and curious objects.
Shopping for Antiques in Madrid
The huge extravaganza that is the Rastro boasts over 1,000 stalls. Dating from the 15th Century, the sprawling chaos of the Rastro flea markets certainly merits a saunter around, even if you're not shopping for anything.
From early morning to 3pm on Sundays crowds flock to the Rastro market that flows and ebbs along Calle Ribera de Curtidores from the Plaza de Cascorro to the Ronda de Toledo in central Madrid. Everything under the sun can be found in this part of Madrid, from antiques of varying quality to used clothing, including collector cards, books, records and paintings. The idea of Spanish damsels wafting fans all day may be as outdated as them clicking castanets at every opportunity, though that said there's room for a certain amount of sentiment for the exquisite fans on offer here. The same goes for the shawls.
For higher-end antiques head to the permanent shops nearby, though you never know - you might just strike gold rummaging around the stalls. The local restos and bars get packed as the market winds down and the shopping crowd turns its attention to a drink and a good feed.
When shopping in Madrid, beware of pickpockets and bag-snatchers. And don't make the mistake of arriving by car: central Madrid is notorious for parking nightmares.
Shopping for Arts and Crafts in Madrid
Madrid has a strong tradition in arts and crafts, and this attribute is reflected in many of Madrid’s stores.
The Antigua Casa Talavera on Calle Isabel La Católica is a top ceramics store specialising in Valencian tiles, as well as blue and yellow Talavera tiles. It also sells replicas of Spanish (and indeed Moorish-influenced) tiles from the 10th to 18th centuries. The store itself is of course beautifully decorated with its wares.
El Arco de los Cuchilleros on Plaza Mayor offers unusual and varied Spanish craft items made from leather, ceramic and wood, sourced from all over Spain courtesy of the store's close relationship with many workshops and artisans.
Creative decorations can be found at Rustika Alfonso on Calle Alfonso VI, where gift items are made from all kinds of materials and colours using crystal, chrome from tin, resins and embroidered fabrics.
Despite the prevalence of kitsch and touristy merchandise, the markets of Madrid do turn up some interesting souvenirs and the atmosphere alone is worth the effort.
For hotels near Madrid's old markets, visit http://www.hoteltravel.com/spain/madrid/guides/activities_sports.htm
Plenty of Interesting Finds at the Rastro
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Travel
Latest Articles