Madrid's Centennial Shops

Plaque marking Antigua Relojería — a watch shop that’s been around since 1880.
Imagine all the time that’s passed… and this place is still ticking. ⏳

Our guide pointed out the plaque in this photo—and suddenly, it wasn’t just another unnoticed street detail anymore.

In Madrid, these plaques are part of a special recognition called Comercios Centenarios de Madrid, awarded to businesses that have been operating for over 100 years. Think of it as a badge of honour for surviving generations of change.

They’re usually fixed onto shopfronts (often ceramic or metal) and typically show the shop’s name, its founding year, and sometimes the words “Comercio Centenario.”

What’s amazing is where you find them—bakeries, pharmacies, taverns, bookstores… family-run places that have quietly lived through wars, economic crises, and shifting trends, yet are still part of everyday life.

A few well-known examples include: 

• Casa Botín — founded in 1725 and often cited as the world’s oldest restaurant 
• Farmacia de la Reina Madre — a pharmacy dating back to the 16th century 
• Antigua Pastelería del Pozo — a traditional pastry shop from the 1800s
• Antigua Relojería — one of Madrid’s oldest watch shops, established in the 19th century and still preserving its original charm 

These plaques aren’t random—they’re part of an effort by the Madrid City Council to preserve the city’s commercial heritage and highlight businesses that are part of Madrid’s identity.

The shopfront of Antigua Relojería is a spectacle in itself—almost like a stage where time comes alive. Imagine a façade adorned with ornate clock faces, gilded details, and whimsical figures that don’t just sit still—they move!