In 2006, the Madrid City Council, together with the Chamber of Commerce, awarded more than 175 establishments over a hundred years old in the capital a series of plaques as a tribute. The plaques were made in bronze by the graphic humorist Antonio Mingote and on them appear the symbols of the Puerta de Alcalá and the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, along with the name of the premises and its inauguration date. It was a tribute to all those shops, taverns, inns and restaurants for the effort made throughout their history and for having adapted to the times, maintaining the business generation after generation. Today, many of them are still open despite Covid, even more have been added to the list.
Among these establishments, there is a series
of centenary shops, unknown to the vast majority
of Madrid, that are worth a visit. The official guide Olga Martínez proposes to know them in a guided itinerary framed in the Program of original visits of Madrid, which was launched by the City Council with the aim of inviting Madrilenians to enjoy the historic center of the city. With the name
Centennial Shops of Madrid
The two-hour route through the city center goes through (and enters) those shops that are already part of the historical and cultural heritage of the capital due to their beauty and permanence in economic activity for so many years.
To participate in this itinerary (Sundays, at 12 noon, until June 27; price: 3 euros), you must book the entrance online here.
These are some of the stops on the itinerary that has the Plaza Mayor as a meeting point.
Hernanz House
Toledo Street, 18.
Espadrille Casa Hernanz.
In 1840 Toribio Hernanz founded this emblematic family business specialized in espadrilles and artisanal cordage.
Its multiple models of espadrilles of all colors, sewn by hand, have been worn by well-known figures such as Jacqueline Kennedy or Marilyn Monroe.
Even Yves Saint Laurent, in the 1960s, introduced them to the fashion runways around the world.
His clients also include film production companies and have appeared in films such as
Gladiator
and in Spanish series such as
Palmeras en la Nieve
.
The favourite
Plaza Mayor, 25.
This hat shop, the oldest in the Plaza Mayor, founded in 1894, is a must-see in Madrid.
Currently, the store is run by the fourth generation of the Enguita family and has maintained the same charm since its inauguration.
It is a benchmark in the purchase of hats, berets, caps and even wine boots.
The wrappers and boxes where the garments are kept stand out, which provide them with enormous added value.
There you can find from cotton sports caps for 9.50 euros to wide-brimmed Panama hats for 115 euros.
The favourite.
Yustas House
Plaza Mayor, 30.
Another old hat shop founded in 1886 by Leopoldo Yustas Ayuso.
The store, specialized in the sale of hats, caps and military effects, keeps inside the chestnut wood furniture and the original floors.
Among his clients are the Royal House and production companies, such as those of the series
Amar in scrambled times
or
Cuéntame
.
Old Clockwork
La Sal, 2.
Between the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol, this place was inaugurated in 1880 and since then it sells clocks of all the recognized brands of anteroom, wall, cuckoo, desktop ..., as well as special pieces, most of Swiss origin and German.
It has a small workshop in which repair and cleaning services are carried out.
Inside, with wood and glass walls and furniture, numerous wall clocks are exhibited.
The Angel
Esparteros, 3.
It is one of the few stores left that sells religious items.
Family business founded in 1867, it is considered the largest sacred art store in Spain.
It has more than 1,000 m2 where goldsmiths, nativity scenes, crucifixes and sacred art are sold, as well as garments for nuns and priests and ornaments for the bishop (sashes, skullcaps, mitres ...) and for the liturgical celebration.
There are also processional images, pictures and other elements for the brothers.
It is a true museum-store open to the public.
Pontejos Warehouse
Pontejos Square, 2.
Pontejos.
A few meters from Puerta del Sol is the largest and most famous haberdashery in Madrid.
Founded by Antonio Ubillos in 1913, today his descendants continue with the legacy, who have known how to adapt to modern times, turning the business into a national benchmark due to its huge assortment of articles and materials of all kinds (wool, trimmings, buckles, beads ...).
In its three floors, you can find everything.
Seseña Layers
Calle de la Cruz, 23.
The establishment still preserves the decoration from when it was inaugurated in 1901 to dedicate itself to the handmade manufacture of capes.
Since then, this family business has not stopped selling its clothes to the whole world.
Among his clients were Pablo Picasso (who they say is buried with one of the brand's capes, which the bullfighter Luis Miguel Dominguín gave him), Luis Buñuel, Hemingway, Gary Cooper, Hilary Clinton, Bruce Springsteen or the Kings of Spain , among others.
Currently they sell all kinds of capes (long, short, hooded ...) for men and women, from 280 euros.
Inside there is a booklet with the names of famous clients, their measurements and what type of cape they bought.
The Violet
Canalejas Square, 6.
La Violeta Photos: Madrid Destino.
This store has been sweetening the world with its traditional violet candies for more than 100 years, since it opened its doors in 1915 at the hands of Mariano Gil, the brand's founder.
Among the famous clients of this business now run by the third generation of the family, stand out the Nobel Prize Winner for Literature Jacinto Benavente, Queen Victoria Eugenia or the former president of Nicaragua, Violeta Chamorro, among others, who fell for sweets and chocolates Of the brand.
The shop window and interior are spectacular.
Diego House
Puerta del Sol, 12.
Just by looking at the window of this century-old store, you already want to go inside.
Founded in 1858, they have more than 160 years dedicated to the manufacture, sale and repair of different accessories of the highest quality for men and women, among which are umbrellas, fans, canes ... They are also famous for their shawls, veils, castanets, combs, mantillas ... Among his clients are the royal houses of half the world, including the Spanish, and also film and television production companies.
Mingote commemorative plaque that was placed in the centenary premises.
In this case, in Lhardy.
According to the criteria of The Trust Project
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