Our first stop is going to be in Las Vegas. Yes, yes, you read correctly! This is the name of a small region around Madrid Las Vegas, where this old town is hidden in the watershed of the Tahoe and Jarama rivers, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, it is known for its famous Plaza Mayor, its impressive Castilian cuisine and its exciting holidays. Despite its proximity to Madrid (just 45 kilometers away), this 16th century city is an excellent example of the authentic Spain in miniature, as the area is 115.9 km² and the local population is 5,240 people.
Chinchon, above all, is a famous main square with its history, porticos, stepped roofs and 234 wooden balconies painted green. It seems that the city has been growing around this medieval square.
The 'Plaza Mayor' is not only a unique example of a traditional Castilian architecture, but is also the main centre of the old city. Throughout its history, the square witnessed the announcement of royal decrees, has been the place of celebrations and reed games (ancient Arab game of the Middle Ages), theatrical comedies, bullfights, fairs and executions. In 2008 the square was recognized as the fourth wonder of the Autonomous Community of Madrid. Chinchon was included in the list of the most beautiful places in Spain.
In February, the square hosts the carnival and a large medieval fair, which is held in the memory of one of the visits of the Catholic kings. Its visitors are offered crafts, tournaments, parades and various performances. This is the best time to taste the traditional local cuisine. At the end of March or the beginning of April The days of anise vodka and wine are celebrated in Chinchon. In October, the Charity Festival of bullfighting takes place, and then the 'Garlic Festival' begins. More than 240 locals participate in the performance dedicated to The Passionate Saturday, and on July 25th - the first race of the year called 'encierro' is held, followed by a bullfight that opens the regular season of bullfighting.
The best dishes are those cooked in the firewood: suckling pig, lamb, goat, chorizo. They can be served with fried peppers, Castilian or garlic soups, crouton, stewed vegetables, roasted cosido or slices of sheep cheese.
It says 'In Chinchon there is a tower without a church and a church without a tower.' The clock tower is the only preserved building of the oldest church, while the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción does not have a tower. Inside you can see a work of Goya 'The Assumption of the Virgin'. Today, the main church of the city is the Hermita del Rosario, which was used as a prison during the Civil War.
The Lope de Vega Theater is near the Clock Tower. The curtain is the canvas that represents the city, written by Luis Mouriel. And in the old Augustinian monastery, which was founded by the counts of Chinchon in the seventeenth century, today there is a tourist Parador, where we will be staying for the night.