There, presiding over López Allué Square, stands La Confianza, an establishment founded in 1871 where nothing—or almost nothing—has changed since the 19th century, when it first opened its doors. On the counter, visitors can still find an ancient scale, which María Jesús Sanvicente, its current owner, uses to weigh each of the products sold there. Without a doubt, however, one of the most significant and eye-catching instruments is the pair of shears used to cut the salt cod. It is an object that could easily serve as a prop in a period drama.
LA CONFIANZA, THE OLDEST GROCERY STORE IN EUROPE
La Confianza is a building declared Historic Commercial Heritage of Humanity, and it was a French-born merchant, Hilario Vallier, who opened the establishment in 1871. At first, it was a haberdashery selling elegant fabrics and textiles brought from different parts of the world. Later, it began selling imported products, from smoked foods to French liqueurs, coffee and chocolate, placing it among the few places where such products were available at the time.
La Confianza is a building declared Historic Commercial Heritage of Humanity. Photo: Diego Sanz
With honey from Asque among its many signature products, at Ultramarinos La Confianza, sugar-coated almonds, pine nuts and other types of sweets are piled in glass jars that catch the eye as soon as visitors enter the shop. Sweets are also among the customers’ most common requests. And when it comes to wine, the shop harbors a secret: its basement contains a wine cellar where celebrations and events can be held by prior reservation.
TOURISM MERIT MEDAL FOR ITS LONG HISTORY
Ultramarinos La Confianza is so renowned that this iconic establishment in the capital of Huesca received the Tourism Merit distinction from the Government of Aragon in 2023. Over the course of its history, many people have passed through the iconic shop to capture it on camera or because of the aura of the past it exudes. From actress Victoria Abril to former basketball player Brian Jackson, Eulalia Ramón and Gonzalo Miró, they have all passed through La Confianza’s door into another era.
This establishment is an iconic place in the city of Huesca. Photo: Diego Sanz
As well as being one of those places remembered by anyone who has ever walked through the streets of Huesca, it is not only the interior of La Confianza that draws attention, but also its incredible shop windows. At Christmas, gifts, snow and tinsel fill the displays with carefully arranged decorations, just as basil and greenery do during San Lorenzo. During the back-to-school season, two dolls seated in their little chairs and arithmetic notebooks like those our grandparents studied with catch the attention of everyone passing by the window. Ultimately, Ultramarinos La Confianza is a charming place that surprises visitors with its interior, but also with what can be seen from outside.
