The History of Chinchón is lost in the mists of the past. Old Roman vestiges still remain to tell us that even before the Christian era there were already important settlements. From the Arab domination the names of several places still linger, such as "La Cañada de la Mora" and "EL Fuerte de Casarola", and also some moorish customs, like the man walking before the woman and the use of mufflers and shawls, formerly used as a coat by the first settlers. Old fortresses, ancient convents...they tell us of a flourishing past, full of legends and old chronicles that have shaped the knight-like spirit of the inhabitants, and their pride in their history. Writers, poets and painters have sung the excellence of the town, a town famous for its wines, garlic and liquors, but, above all, for the hospitality of the people, faithful to the motto on the town's coat of arms : Nobility and Loyalty. When the traveller sees this beautiful Castillian "Plaza", visits its castle and charming restaurants, walks around the narrow and steep streets, a feeling of nostalgia will sweep over him at the time of departure, and he cannot help but say as the poet does: "And you, Chinchón from Castilla won't sleep in my forgetfulness"

THE TOWER

It appears more an Arabian minaret than a Christian tower. It was separated from the church when the French Army destroyed it in 1808

THE PLAZA             Chinchón es una rosa terruñera encendida en la piel de la besana casi manchega, toda carpetana, con cierzos de un abril sin primavera. El sol contra sus piedras reverbera dando chispas de amor cada mañana ¡Oh! plaza de Chichón, gaya ventana de la ibérica sangre aventurera. Lope Mateo

THE CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION

Originally the Chapel of the Counts of Chinchón, construction was started in 1534 and finished in 1626. In 1812 it was enlarged and became the town's church... Goya's famous painting "La Asunción de la Virgen" is to be found within.

ERMITA OF SAINT STEPHEN

Romanesque style, in the eleventh century it was the ancient Parrish Church of the village

CONVENTO DE AGUSTINOS

Today a Parador Nacional, the building was constructed in the seventeenth century. Just across the street the famous "House of Chains", where Philip V lived during the War of Succession.

THE CASTLE

Built with a Royal Licence from The Catholic Kings by Andrés Cabrera y Beatriz de Bobadilla, the castle was started on March 26 1500. It was famous in its time for tournaments held within its walls, particularly on the occasion of the visit of Philip the Hansome and Jean the Mad. Bloody battles were fought in it's interior during the wars of Independence and Sucession.

MONASTERIO DE LAS FRANCISCANAS

The monastery was founded by the Count and Countess of Chinchón in 1603.

FIESTAS Since Chinchón is a village with a great bull-fighting tradition, a lot of important bullfights take place throughout the year. The most outstanding are - Santiago (25th of July), - SAN ROQUE (15th of August) - Nuestra Sra. del Rosario (Third Sunday in September). And as colofon the Great Beneficient FESTIVAL which was founded by Salvador Sánchez Frascuelo a century ago, continued by Marcial Lalanda and later by Julio Aparicio y Manuel Vidrie y today by Julio Aparicio (son), helped by the principal stars of the bull-fighting world.