Madrid’s Top 10 : Top 10 Spanish Theme Shops – Top 10 Markets

1. Patrimonio Comunal Olivarero

   Spain
   is the largest producer of olive oil in the world and this
   representative of a grower’s cooperative knows his business. Like wines,
   you can distinguish different varieties by their colour, flavour and
   smell, and tastings here are part of the fun .

   
   

   
   
   

2. Seseña

   This firm near Sol has been making traditional full-length Spanish capes (capas)
   since 1901, hand tailored from the finest wool. Famous clients over the
   years include Picasso, Rudolph Valentino, Hillary Clinton and Michael
   Jackson. Needless to say, a made-to-measure cape of this quality does
   not come cheap.

   • Calle de la Cruz 23

   
   

   
   
   

   Seseña

3. Mesquida

   Religion
   still plays an important role in Spanish life and Madrid is famous for
   its shops specializing in devotional objects. Founded more than 40 years
   ago, this family business furnishes churches and monasteries as far
   afield as Ireland and Argentina and has made items for the Pope’s summer
   residence outside Rome. The store is a showcase of rosaries, statues,
   cribs, paintings, icons and communion cups.

   • Calle Bailén 8

4. Manuel González Contreras

   One
   of Spain’s most respected guitar workshops was founded in 1882. Clients
   have ranged from the classical virtuoso Andres Segovia to pop guitarist
   Mark Knopfler. There’s a small museum of instruments dating back to the
   19th century, and it’s fascinating to see the craftsmen at work .

5. El Flamenco Vive

   If
   you’ve been won over by Flamenco during your stay, now’s your chance to
   look the part. This specialist store has everything – colourful
   costumes and accessories (fans, flowers, ornamental combs), guitars,
   books, sheet music, videos, records and CDs.

   • Calle Conde de Lemos 7

   
   

   
   
   

   El Flamenco Vive

6. Casa Jiménez

   A superb shop dealing mainly in mantones de Manila.
   These embroidered, brightly coloured silk shawls originated in China
   and found their way to Spain via the Philippines. They gained popularity
   in 19th-century Seville when the working girls of the tobacco factories
   wore them. Also sells fans and mantillas, the traditional black lace headdress still worn on formal occasions .

7. Terra Mundi

   Apart from its Galician cooking, this restaurant sells regional produce: chorizo, tetilla (cream cheese), fish soups, pear compote, strawberry liqueur and wines from the Rias Baixas region.

   • Calle Lope de Vega 32

8. Casa Mira

   This old fashioned store has been producing its famous nougat (turrón) for more than 150 years. Made without artificial colouring or preservatives, it’s the genuine article.

   • Carrera de San Jerónimo 30

9. Bodega Santa Cecilia

   This
   wine cellar is popular not only for its range (more than 4,000 labels),
   but for the quality and affordability. The owners keep prices down by
   scouring the countryside for lesser known vineyards.

   • Calle Blasco de Garay 72–4

10. Cuenllas

    This
    delicatessen is the place for top-quality cured meats and cheeses.
    Spanish cheeses include Queso Manchego, made from sheep’s milk, and the
    blue cheese, Cabrales. For the finest cured hams, buy jamón Ibérico or Pata Negra – a breed of pig fed only on acorns.

    • Calle Ferraz 3

    
    

    
    
    

    Queso Manchego

Top 10 Markets