Page 323 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

SHOPPING IN M ADRID  321

Portuondo, Cotanda, Codosero
and Theotokopoulos. There are
also opportunities for pricier
antique shopping along the
streets of the Prado, Santa
Catalina (Alcocer Anticuarios)
and Cervantes, near Plaza de
Santa Ana. In Madrid, art and
antiques auctions are held by
both Spanish and inter national
firms, including Durán, Goya,
Segre, Ansorena and Alcalá.
Shopping Centres and
Inside one of the many antique shops in the streets around El Rastro
Department Stores
garments, but also for its lively June, is an impres sive outdoor Among the best shopping
atmosphere. It gets really bookfair. Hun dreds of stalls are centres, or centros comerciales,
crowded from noon onwards, set up in the Parque del Retiro, are the tempting and expen sive
with bargain hunters rubbing and publishers and bookshop malls of the elegant Salamanca
shoulders with those out to owners exhibit their wares for neighbourhood. El Jardín
enjoy a pre-lunch apéritif at the two weeks, with book signings de Serrano is a high-quality
numerous bars of the La Latina taking place as well. galleria, housed in two restored
area. Be careful, however, as pick- On the Plaza de España, the 19th-century palaces that stocks
pockets frequent the market. Feria de Artesanos takes place fashion, jewellery, gifts and
The best place for paintings every December, selling all kinds accessories. ABC Serrano has
is the street market in Plaza del of crafts, making it ideal for a range of shops that includes
Conde de Barajas, near Plaza Christmas shopping. Throughout home furniture as well as
Mayor on Sunday mornings, December, the Plaza Mayor designer fashions and gifts.
organized by the art association is the venue for a traditional If you want more variety at
Taller Abierto. Christmas fair – the Mercado de a cheaper price, visit the huge
The colourful Mercado de Artículos Navideños, where fes- La Vaguada in the north, or
San Miguel in Plaza San Miguel tive bric-a-brac can be picked up. El Corte Inglés, a national insti-
offers an array of produce and tution with branches through-
delicious delicatessen items, out the city. The latter also has
including traditional cured meats Antiques and Arts a travel agency and offers
and Spanish cheeses. Mercado The commercial galleries and services such as photo develop-
de San Antón in Chueca, antiques shops of Madrid are all ment and shoe repairs. Also
Mercado de San Ildefonso in conveniently located along the good value for money are the
Malasaña or the trendy Platea streets of Serrano, Velázquez, shops in the Príncipe Pío
in Plaza de Colón are other Jorge Juán and Claudio Coello; shopping centre, located in
renovated markets with the in the Salamanca area, around the former Northern Railway
same mix of stalls and bars. Alonso Martínez; and on Doctor Station. Shops, restau rants and
Fourquet street behind the cinemas sit under the original
Museo Reina Sofía. For cutting- glass and iron roof.
Annual Fairs
edge Spanish art, head to the
February has become the Juana de Aizpuru gallery,
“art month” in Madrid, with considered to be one of Madrid’s
contem porary art fairs such top galleries for contemporary art.
as ARCO, Just Mad and Art Antique shops can also be
Madrid. Whether you want to found in El Rastro flea market,
buy or simply browse, these and mainly along Calle de la Ribera
other events provide a great de Curtidores. Antigüedades
opportunity to catch up on the Palacios sells collectors’ items
latest trends in the art world. such as furniture, paintings and
In the week prior to Madrid’s European ceramics. Also in El
Fiesta de San Isidro (see p44) Rastro, La Turmix is an artists’
which begins on 15 May, cooperative with workshops and
you can buy earthen cookware galleries (open weekends only).
and wine jugs at the Feria de la For specialist antique outlets –
Cerámica held in the Plaza de ranging from 18th-century
las Comendadoras in the lacquered furniture to Spanish
colourful district of Malasaña. paintings from the 16th to 18th Stall selling vintage posters in the busy
The Feria del Libro, held in May– centuries – visit Coll & Cortés, Rastro flea market

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