Plaza Mayor de Chinchón, Medieval plaza and bullring in Chinchón, Spain.
Plaza Mayor de Chinchón is a porticoed square in a Castilian village, ringed by three-story buildings with approximately 234 wooden balconies arranged in an almost circular pattern. These balconies feature adjustable sections that convert into spectator boxes when the square is used for bullfighting events.
This square originated in the 15th century as a marketplace and public gathering space under Spanish monarchs. Over time it evolved into a venue for royal celebrations and eventually became adapted for bullfighting use.
The square becomes an arena for summer bullfighting and hosts Easter Passion Play performances that are central to local traditions. These events bring the community together and mark important moments throughout the year.
Restaurants and cafes line the perimeter with outdoor seating where you can try local dishes and the area's famous anise liqueur. The best time to visit and walk around is during quieter months when no major events are happening.
The balconies around the square feature a clever system where wooden sections fold and adjust to transform into spectator seating during bullfights. This ingenuity shows how the space has been adapted over centuries to serve multiple purposes.
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