Chinchón: a municipality with charming popular architecture

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With the coronavirus, tourism in towns is growing. And it is a positive point of the pandemic because it is allowing many people to discover places in Spain that they did not know despite its importance, its heritage wealth and also beauty and charm. This is the case of Chinchón , a Madrid town , whose name is well known, but at the same time it is one of the unknown destinations for many people. Reasons to visit this municipality are not lacking: traditional architecture , a rich gastronomy and nature are some of its main attractions. On this occasion, we are going to focus on its heritage wealth.

What to see

One of the must-see spots in Chinchón is its Plaza Mayor , which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Furthermore, in 2008, it was declared the 4th wonder of the Community of Madrid. In it, cattle fairs, comedic corral or cane games, among others, are formerly held.

Throughout history, it has been the scene of events such as the visit of Juana la Loca and Felipe el Hermoso in 1502, as well as reforms such as the one that was undertaken in 1683 to close it, leaving only gaps for the passage of processions and cars. . It is striking to see how it is supported and closed by three-story buildings and wooden balconies, which are called ‘ clearings ‘.

In addition to the square, you can also visit the Agustinos-Parador de Turismo Monastery , which was founded by the Counts of Chinchón in the 17th century. A building that housed Archduke Carlos in the War of Succession. It also stands out that today it houses the Chinchón Parador de Turismo, which includes the area occupied by the monks.

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Other attractions of Chinchón are the Clock Tower , which is preserved after the destruction of the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de Gracia in the War of Independence, as well as the Lope de Vega Theater , which is built on the ruins of the old Palace of los Condes, which disappeared after the War of the Spanish Succession.

The visit takes us to the current Castillo de los Condes , which was built by the III Count of Chinchón on the foundations of the previous one; the Casa de la Cadena in which King Felipe V stayed in 1706 when he passed through this town, and the Castillo de Casasola , which was built in the 15th century and was the accommodation of personalities such as Alfonso XII.