History of Commerce and Industry in Salamanca
The exhibition is presented through an audiovisual 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 commerce and industry were laid, such as the infrastructure of the Vía de la Plata (Silver Route), essential for services and products to be transported quickly.
MARKETS In medieval times, the city's market moved from the old azogue or teso de las catedrales, passing through Rúa Mayor until reaching Plazuela de San Martín. The small squares of the historic center served to host informal markets such as those in Plaza de la Verdura (Vegetable Square), del Carbón (Coal Square), El Corrillo, La Libertad, etc.
During the 19th century, the hygienist current of thought 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, regulations on air, food commercialization and preservation, buildings, etc. Among its concerns were also unhealthiness, noise, and the nuisances of selling products outdoors.
Between 1899 and 1909, the Central Market (Mercado Central de Abastos) 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 Market, along with the laws and regulations on sanitation of the time, can be considered as precedents for the advanced food safety we enjoy today.
SALAMANCA INDUSTRIES AND SHOPS Throughout the exhibition, various pieces belonging to significant industries and businesses of 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, and Ansede appear. In 2017, the equipment used for the artisanal manufacture of candles by the centenary 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's banking, etc.
Throughout the tour, there are interactive resources and sufficient information to learn more and make the visit enjoyable and interesting.
