we visit the town of chinchon, just outside madrid, with fine spanish architecture from the middle ages. come join me for a quick tour around this quintessential spanish town.
Chinchon is an easy 45min drive south of Madrid; a town steeped in old history and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Its historic Plaza Mayor square, where locals enjoy the sun and a glass of the aptly named ‘Chinchon’ (local anis), is as good as it gets for capturing Spain in all its essence. Even though I have been to this town countless times, I was still excited to bring along my Rolleiflex loaded with some fantastic Ilford PanF50 (I am convinced this film was made for Spanish sun) and a roll of expired Fuji Superia 100 for my Leica MP.
Classic Chinchon streets, although it could be any Spanish town. It has a population of just over 5,000. It dates back to medieval towns and has seen various civilisations live here including Romans and Muslims. It was under Muslim control until 1139. More on its history here.
They famously convert the main square into a bullring for the annual festivities. The shot below was taken by my Father in the late 1960s! It hasn’t changed much since.
Late 1960s (L) vs today (R).
The main attraction of this town is its main square. It is flanked by arcades and staggered roofs, with 234 green wood balconies, most of which are part of restaurants.
One of the many traditional streets, shot on Ilford PanF50 film.
More Chinchon views.
Another shot of the square, but this time on glorious Ilford PanF50 paired with my Rolleiflex.
A selection of shots taken in and around the main square, mostly with my long 135mm tele lens.
overall observations
If you ever have a few days in Madrid, this town is definitely worth a visit, whether for a long Spanish lunch or dinner. You also might be lucky and arrive when they have some fiestas, which makes the place even more interesting. I also think the square was used for the filming of the original ‘Around the world in 80 days’. This is a town where it seems time has stopped, I don’t think that much has changed since my Dad was playing here in the band in the late 1960s, at least the photos all look the same!
See you next time!
Neil
