Чинчон

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant. Summer is hot and dry, and winter is cold. The town is busiest at weekends and holidays.

At Easter the town stages the Pasión de Chinchón, a passion play with local actors. In summer and early autumn the Plaza Mayor is used for events, and in the past for bullfights.

• The Plaza Mayor is the main square, with its wooden balconies, bars and restaurants, and a Baroque layout from the 15th and 16th centuries.
• The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is the parish church, which has an altarpiece painting by Francisco de Goya, whose brother was a priest here.
• The Torre del Reloj is the clock tower on the square, next to the church.
• The Casa de la Cadena is a historic mansion.
• The Castillo de los Condes is a ruined castle on a hill south of the square, with views.
• The Teatro Lope de Vega is a historic theatre.
• The Convento de las Clarisas is a convent in the old town, where nuns make sweets.

• Have lunch on a balcony of the Plaza Mayor, with roast lamb or suckling pig.
• Taste anís de Chinchón, the local liqueur, at a distillery.
• Climb to the castle ruins.
• Visit at Easter for the Passion play.

• Madrid (about 45 km): the capital.
• Aranjuez (about 40 km): a royal town with a palace and gardens.
• Alcalá de Henares (about 55 km): a UNESCO university city.
• El Escorial (about 90 km): a monastery and royal palace.

Other places nearby:

• Madrid area: Madrid, Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares and El Escorial.

• By bus: Buses run from Madrid's Plaza Elíptica station in about an hour. Check the timetable, as services are less frequent on Sundays.
• By car: The A-3 motorway and the M-404 reach Chinchón in about 45 minutes from Madrid.
• By air: Madrid-Barajas airport is about 60 km away.

• On foot: The town is small and the sights are all within a short walk. The streets are steep and cobbled.
• Taxi: Few taxis are available, so plan your return trip in advance.

• Is a car worth it?: It is the easiest way to arrive from Madrid, but the bus also works.
• Parking: Park on the edge of town. The center is pedestrian only in parts.
• Roads: Good roads, with heavy traffic at weekends.

Chinchón is known for roasts: cordero asado (roast lamb) and cochinillo (suckling pig), cooked in wood ovens. Local garlic (ajo de Chinchón) is used in many dishes, such as garlic soup. The town is also known for anise liqueur (anís de Chinchón), distilled locally, and for sweet anise rolls.

Chinchón is a safe town. The cobbled streets are uneven and steep, so wear good shoes. In summer the heat is strong, so bring water and sun protection.

The town developed in the Middle Ages, and the Plaza Mayor was laid out in the 15th and 16th centuries. The castle was built in the 15th century by the Count of Chinchón, and was damaged in the Peninsular War in the early 19th century.

The town has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site, and the Plaza Mayor remains its public center for fiestas and festivals.

Quick practical facts for Spain at a glance: