SAN BERNARDO MUNICIPAL MARKET

The San Bernardo Municipal Market is one of the three food markets in the city of Salamanca. Opened in the 1980s, this neighborhood market offers high-quality fresh products to the people of Salamanca in a friendly and traditional setting.

Despite being the most recent of Salamanca’s municipal markets, it has established itself as a local landmark thanks to its food offerings and community value.

History of the Market

The San Bernardo Market officially opened its doors in December 1984, in an inaugural event attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Carlos Romero.

Its creation marked the addition of a third food market in Salamanca (alongside the historic Central Market and the San Juan Market), expanding the city's network of traditional food retailers.

Since then, it has been serving the residents of the San Bernardo neighborhood and nearby areas for over four decades, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024.

Architectural Features

Architecturally, it is a functional building typical of the 1980s, with a design focused more on practicality than ornamentation.

• The main hall is rectangular and open, with stalls arranged in rows along wide aisles that facilitate the flow of shoppers and the handling of goods.
• The market has adapted entrances and no architectural barriers, making it accessible to people with reduced mobility and comfortable for all types of visitors.

These features aim to provide an enjoyable and straightforward shopping experience while preserving the traditional neighborhood market atmosphere.

Commercial Offerings & Available Products

Currently, the San Bernardo Market houses 9 operating stalls, offering the following products:

• Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Various stalls offer seasonal fruits, vegetables, and freshly harvested produce, catering to local, high-quality product demand.
• Meats, Cold Cuts & Hams: Butcher shops offer fresh beef, pork, lamb, and more, along with traditional Iberian cold cuts and hams from the region.
• Fish & Seafood: A fishmonger provides fresh fish and seafood daily, ensuring customers have regular access to fresh seafood.
• Poultry, Eggs & Game: A specialized stall sells poultry (chicken, turkey, etc.), free-range eggs, and seasonal game meats.
• Pickles & Nuts: Another stall specializes in pickled products (olives, varieties, etc.), nuts, spices, and other complementary food items.

This extensive selection makes the San Bernardo Market an ideal place for daily shopping, offering everything from meats and fish to fruits, vegetables, and other essential groceries in one place. The quality and freshness of its products are among its main hallmarks, highly valued by its regular customers.

Recent Renovations & Improvements

In recent years, the City Council has invested in improving and modernizing this municipal market.

During late 2024, the San Bernardo Market underwent renovation work that required a temporary closure, reopening after the improvements were completed.

The remodeling included structural and sanitary upgrades, such as:

• Floor Waterproofing: The pavement in common areas was treated to fix moisture and leakage issues, improving waterproofing in both the public sales area and refrigeration storage rooms.
• Structural Reinforcement & New Ceilings: The building's structure was reinforced, new false ceilings were installed, and modern waterproof lighting and protected sockets were added, enhancing lighting and electrical safety.
• Hygiene & Sanitary Upgrades: Walls and tiles were refurbished, and special skirting boards were installed to facilitate cleaning, raising hygiene standards across all sales areas.
• Uniform Stall Design: The storefronts of all stalls were standardized, creating a more modern and cohesive appearance.

These upgrades modernized the market’s image and optimized the experience for both vendors and customers, enhancing functionality, hygiene, and comfort.

Following the renovations, the market now looks renewed while maintaining its traditional essence.

Importance to the Local Community

The San Bernardo Market is deeply rooted in the local community.

Despite the rise of supermarkets and new consumption habits, many Salamanca residents—especially neighborhood locals—still choose to shop here, keeping local trade traditions alive.

For over 40 years, it has been a landmark for multiple generations of customers, who appreciate the freshness of the food and the friendly service from vendors.

• Customers and sellers often know each other by name, creating a family-like environment where daily shopping becomes a social experience.

Beyond its commercial function, the market also serves as a community space. In 2018, the City Council approved a project to create a 900m² community participation center in the San Bernardo Market basement, allowing neighborhood associations, cultural groups, and health organizations to hold activities and meetings there.

This initiative reinforces the market’s role as a community hub that extends beyond simple commerce, fostering social interaction and neighborhood identity.

Hours & Location

The San Bernardo Municipal Market is located at 71 Filiberto Villalobos Avenue (Postal Code 37007), near Salamanca’s Bus Station.

Its strategic location, on the outskirts of the city center and next to a major transport route, makes it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors arriving by bus.

• Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Closed on Sundays.
• The busiest hours are in the early morning, when locals come for fresh produce shopping.

Events & Special Activities

Throughout the year, the market hosts promotional activities and events aimed at boosting local commerce and attracting visitors.

To mark its 40th anniversary in December 2024, a special event was held at the San Bernardo Market:

• Customers enjoyed free tastings of typical local products, offered by market stalls.
• A Christmas gift was given to customers as a token of appreciation.

Additionally, the City Council launched a discount voucher campaign, distributing 1,000 vouchers worth €10 (redeemable for purchases over €25) to reward loyal customers and encourage new visitors.

Thanks to these initiatives, the San Bernardo Market has hosted true gastronomic celebrations, featuring a festive atmosphere, music, and community participation.

On special dates (such as Christmas or local festivities), the market also organizes cooking demonstrations, culinary workshops, and product tastings, integrating itself into Salamanca’s cultural life.

These events not only offer a unique experience to visitors but also highlight the importance of supporting local businesses and celebrating Salamanca’s rich gastronomy.