Chinchón: Anís & Goya

45km from Madrid. Circular plaza from the 15th century with 234 wooden balconies. Anisette liqueur produced since 16th century - to a Spaniard, "anís" means "Chinchón." Church with a Goya painting. Suckling pig in wood-fired ovens. Toast in Plaza Mayor as sun sets on medieval Spain.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Count the Wooden Balconies History · Free

   Count the 234 wooden balconies ringing this circular 'square' — Plaza Mayor de Chinchón (45km from Madrid), declared the 4th Wonder of the Madrid region in 2008. Bus 337 from Madrid Conde de Casal station (1 hour). Arrive morning to see the plaza without crowds and appreciate the perfect symmetry.

   Backup: The tourist office (on the plaza) has a map showing the 15th-century origins.

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2. 2 Taste 16th-Century Anisette Wine · Price: low

   Order Anís de Chinchón — the anisette liqueur produced here since the 16th century at any bar on Plaza Mayor or local distillery. To a Spaniard, 'anís' means 'Chinchón.' Try dulce (sweet), seco (dry), and extra seco. Sweet is less potent. €2-4 per glass.

   Backup: Bars in Plaza Mayor all serve it. The gift shops sell bottles (€10-15).

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3. 3 Find the Goya History · Price: low

   Find Goya's 'Assumption of the Virgin Mary' — a genuine masterpiece hanging in the village church, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (the church without a tower). The church is usually open mornings and late afternoons. Small donation requested (€1-2). Ask 'Dónde está el Goya?'

   Backup: Local saying: 'Chinchón has a tower without a church and a church without a tower.'

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4. 4 Feast on Suckling Pig Adventure · Price: moderate · Optional

   Order cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) or cordero (lamb) — cooked in wood-fired ovens as they have been for centuries at any restaurant on Plaza Mayor. Lunch reservations recommended for weekends. Try Mesón Cuevas del Vino or Casa de la Virgen (€25-35/person).

   Backup: Garlic soup (sopa de ajo) is a cheaper local specialty (€8-10).

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