Paradors are state funded hotels all over Spain, often located in old castles and medieval convents. Parador de Chinchon is set in the Convento de San Augustin and it is very lovely. Those religious types certainly knew how to look after themselves.
To say that this hotel is in Madrid is a bit of a stretch – a 45 kilometre stretch to be precise. It is in the tiny village of Chinchon, which sounds more like a small furry dog than a town. It was reasonably easy to get to, even though the English voice giving us directions through the Tom Tom was coming up with the most ridiculous pronunciations of Spanish towns. We were laughing so much we missed turns. Just as well she also gave road numbers or we would never have arrived.
the entrance to Parador Chinchon
outside our window
the internal courtyard
the internal walkways to the rooms
You can just imagine monks wandering around these halls comtemplating whatever it is they contemplate.
The guide book says that Chinchon is charming and ramshackle. I agree with ramshackle. It also says that the almost circular Plaza Mayor, which is lined with sagging, tiered balconies is one of the most evocative plazas mayores in Spain – evocative of what? It might look better if they got rid of the cars parked in the square. I think my photos make it look a bit better than it is.
Chinchon's Plaza Mayor
some of the balconies around the square
It won’t take you long to discover the sights of Chinchon.
the old comunal laundry
a typical street
a lovely old courtyard
the village from above
You can see Plaza Mayor, with the parked cars and Parador de Chinchon just to the right of centre at the back.
Chinchon rooftops
more rooftops
16th century Iglesia de la Asuncion
We waited ages for the church to open. Just as we were about to give up somebody shuffled up with a key and we were allowed in. It has a painting by Goya, whose brother was a priest there.
we think this is the Goya above the altar
I was quite taken with 3 sculptures in alcoves.
I think she is lovely
and her
and her
One night at the Parador there was a function in the courtyard below our room. The tables were set with delicious food and there was guitar music playing. I wish we had been invited.
the food looked great
and there was a man cracking nuts
Parador Chinchon is great. The rooms are lovely, the food is excellent and the staff friendly. We were quite happy to be outside Madrid in the quiet countryside, waking up to the sound of birds chirping.
These 2 fellows in glass cases beside the restaurant also looked happy to be there ( and I think they have been there a while).
a lovely face
happy to be in Chinchon