Astorga Chocolate Museum, chocolaty tradition of the Maragata capital
In the heart of Astorga, the Chocolate Museum honors a tradition that flourished between the 18th and 19th centuries due to the strategic position of the Maragata town, which became a center for the chocolate industry.
History and building
Housed in the former factory and residence of chocolatier Magín Rubio (20th century), the museum preserves the essence of that artisanal workshop. At the entrance, a vintage recreation of a chocolate shop transports you to the counters of yesteryear.
Origins of cocoa and its advertising
- Cocoa roots: exhibit on the origins in America and its arrival in Europe.
- Producer and consumer countries: interactive maps of cocoa-growing regions and markets.
- Historical advertising: posters, packaging, and ads from the 19th to mid-20th century.
Traditional production in Astorga
Several rooms showcase the first machines from the early 20th century, capable of grinding cocoa beans “stone-ground” and refining the paste. Additionally, explanatory panels detail each phase: from roasting to conching, through refining and molding.
Video and tasting
At the end of the tour, an artisan video demonstrates the manual production process, from the cocoa bean to the tablet. To top it off, the museum offers a free tasting of artisan chocolates made by the eight master chocolatiers in the region.
Practical information
- Location: Calle del Marqués de Venecia, 5, Astorga.
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–14:00 and 16:00–19:00.
- Entry: 4 € (includes tasting); free for children under 8 years old.
- Guided tours: available on weekends, by reservation.
Dive into Astorga’s chocolaty past, discover the art of cocoa, and let yourself be seduced by the aromas and flavors that have captivated travelers and locals for three centuries.
How to get there
Decimal: 42.458611°, -6.049722°
DMS: 42°27'31" N, 6°2'59" O
