Chinchón combines architectural history and cultural traditions with wine and landscape. You can choose different focuses for your trip: the Plaza Mayor and its historic buildings, the Passion Play on Holy Saturday, or excursions to natural sites in the surrounding area. Accommodation is also part of the town’s history: the former Augustinian monastery is now home to the Parador de Turismo de Chinchón.
Plaza Mayor and Church Architecture
The Plaza Mayor is an irregularly laid-out medieval square, lined with two- and three-story houses with continuous wooden balconies. Its present-day layout dates from 1683. Historically, the square hosted various events: comedy performances, Juego de cañas, autos sacramentales, and bullfights. Its architecture and past uses reveal two sides of its history.
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was built between 1534 and 1626. Its architectural features combine Gothic, Plateresque, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The Torre del Reloj offers another glimpse into the town’s church history: it belonged to the former Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Gracia, Chinchón’s oldest church, dating from the 14th century. This church was destroyed during the Peninsular War. The rooms and objects at the Museo Etnológico La Posada illustrate rural life in Chinchón in the past.
Passion Play and Culinary Traditions
La Pasión de Chinchón is an artistic and religious Passion Play that takes place on Holy Saturday evening, at nightfall. In 1980, it was designated a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional by the Ministry of Trade and Tourism. If you would like to plan your trip around the performance, travel for Holy Saturday and check the latest event dates in advance.
There are also specific culinary experiences to explore. Anís Chinchón has been produced since the 17th century. It is distilled to 100 percent and made exclusively with Matalahúga anise. A winery founded in 1870 offers visitors the opportunity to learn about grape growing and winemaking. Check the availability of this visit before your trip.
A historic casa, nearly 300 years old, covers 3,000 square meters. Wine and oil were once produced there; guided tours are offered on weekends and public holidays. If you plan to include this visit, check availability in advance as well.
Relaxation and Landscapes Around Chinchón
Valdezarza was once a resting place for shepherds and is now set up for recreation. One route starts near Castillo de los Condes and leads to the higher-lying Valquejigoso Park. The park is equipped for recreation and children and offers beautiful panoramic views. The interior of Castillo de los Condes is not open to visitors because it is privately owned. A path also passes through the area’s only stand of Portuguese oaks.
Nearby lies the Laguna de San Juan, a wetland protected since 1991 and a refuge for the birdlife typical of wetland ecosystems. From Chinchón, the route there can be reached via three roads. The town’s architectural history around the square and the views across a protected wetland offer different points of interest; the lagoon is a landscape destination in its own right.
Accommodation and Visit Planning
The former Augustinian monastery was founded in the 17th century by the fifth Counts of Chinchón and is now home to the Parador de Turismo de Chinchón. This named hotel is thus linked to the town’s architectural history.
The municipal tourist information office offers guided visit packages for individuals and groups. As current service information may change, check availability before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Cadalso, Algete, Las Rozas De Madrid, Valdeavero, Cercedilla, Villanueva De La Cañada, Collado Mediano, Alcobendas
For the main travel overview: Madrid.
