History of Commerce and Industry in Salamanca
The exhibition is presented through an audiovisual display that covers some milestones in the Commercial and Industrial History of Salamanca from 1850 to 1960, years of special interest for the modernization of the city.
The visit begins in Roman times, as it was the historical period in which some of the foundations of subsequent trade and industry were laid, such as the infrastructure of the Vía de la Plata, essential for services and products to be transported quickly.
MARKETS In medieval times, the city's market gradually moved from the old azogue or teso de las catedrales, passing through Rúa Mayor until it reached Plazuela de San Martín. The small squares in the historic center served to host informal markets such as those in Plaza de la Verdura, del Carbón, el Corrillo, la Libertad, etc.
During the 19th century, the hygienist movement was concerned with improving the lives of people living in cities. It sought to achieve sanitary conditions through the installation of street lighting, the arrival of running water, air regulations, food commercialization and preservation, buildings, etc. Among its concerns were also insalubrity, noise, and the inconvenience of selling products outdoors.
Between 1899 and 1909, the Central Food Market was built. Intended for the sale of perishable foods, hygienist precepts were taken into account for its construction. The building was equipped with large windows, generous doors, water outlets for cleaning, and an airy iron and glass enclosure to protect buyers, sellers, and food from the sun and rain. The Central Food Market, along with the health laws and regulations of the time, can be considered as precursors to the advanced food safety we enjoy today.
SALAMANCA INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES Throughout the exhibition, various pieces belonging to significant industries and businesses in Salamanca are displayed. We refer to the city's most important flour mills, El Sur, Santa Elena, and El Ángel. Chocolate factories such as those of Enrique Prieto or Jorge Espinel from Cantalapiedra.
In the space dedicated to Salamanca's photographic studios, well-known surnames such as Almaraz, Huebra, Gombau, or Ansede appear. In 2017, the equipment used for the artisanal manufacture of candles by the centenarian Cacho family saga was deposited and musealized. Salamanca's oldest industry, Mirat S.A., has a specific display case in our rooms, as does the notable and somewhat truculent history of Salamanca banking, etc.
Throughout the tour, there are interactive resources and sufficient information to learn more and make the visit enjoyable and interesting.