Spanish cured ham (Jamón Ibérico) is well known worldwide. They are sold and consumed in specialist shops – Jamonería – in Madrid.

One such store situated just off the Puerta del Sol named itself Museo del Jamon.

Its location suggests that it is a touristy place, but surprisingly, it was packed with locals or domestic tourists.

One can have a sandwich with any ham in the shop.

Platters with specific kinds of ham (jamon iberico, jamon serrano, lomo etc), sausages and cheeses.

There were many kinds of ham and various price points.

It reminded us a little bit of the sausage shop on the top floor of the KaDeWe in Berlin. Click here to see 100’s of sausages on display.

The whole leg of ham is typically placed horizontally on a Jamonera and thin slices are hand cut and lifted individually.

The little inverted umbrellas collect the fat dripping off the leg of ham.

We saw several jamonerias in central Madrid but wondered if they are also set up in other parts of Spain.

This is a big one and does not appear to be touristy.

Adios.