Routes

The very noble, very loyal and extremely faithful Chinchilla de Montearagón rises dominant and proudly over the endless Manchego steppe. Just as if the hill on which the Villa stands served as a protective shield against the outrages of progress, Chinchilla preserves itself as the grand city it was in medieval times. And as far as the eye can see the entire Albacete Mancha can be observed from the Tower of its imposing castle.

Strategic enclave for all the inhabitants that populated it, Chinchilla conserves vestiges of its Roman period, of a time when it was an important urban center during the Muslim domination, exporter of fabrics and rugs to Orient, and above all, of the years when it was object of dispute between the Lords and Kings of the Medieval Era. To visit Chinchilla is to immerse oneself in a remote time, admiring its castle, contemplating its stately homes, strolling through its cobble stoned streets and understanding the magnificence and power of the great lords and leaders that from their Manchego vantage point dominated the province.

All the monuments awaiting the eye of the beholder can be seen by parting from the town’s emblematic Plaza Mayor, center of its excellent historic ancient quarter. The Arab Baths, the temples and convents, its castle and walls, the palaces and stately homes of the nobility, the Puerta de los Tiradores and its steep narrow streets that lead to the Hondón neighborhood, consisting in caves excavated right from the rock, refuge of the poor in olden times and currently home to artisans and artists.

The city of Albacete extends right at the foot of Chinchilla, representing the great city of La Mancha, symbol of progress in a region that looks to the future without forgetting its past. Natural and human crossroads for the meeting of travelers from all over, Albacete puts magnificent contemporary buildings on display, as is the case with the Pasaje de Lodares.

And it is precisely along these paths, now turned into modern highways, where beautiful corners deserving of a visit await us. In La Roda the many façades festooned with coats of arms dating from the 16th and 17th century are to be found, the same speaking of the noble ancestry of their dwellers: thus we find the houses of the Alcañabate, of the Inquisitor, of the Counts of Villaleal or the Posada del Sol. And just a bit further north, in Minaya, the Church of Saint James the Greater and its ancient and famous Parador (a state-owned hotel) are to be found. A hotel that used to be a roadside inn and tavern, unequivocal symbol of the region’s hospitality, historical crossroads and resting place for the people that used to cross the peninsula.

Visiting the magnificent medieval city of Chinchilla, its famous Pottery Museum and the Hondón Caves, and indeed its Castle. And likewise worthy of a visit are the Cathedral and the Archeological and Cutler Museums, as well as the historical whole of the ancient quarter in La Roda and the ancient Parador (the stateowned hotel) in Minaya.

Enjoying all that is offered at the famous Albacete Fair, declared of national tourist interest, or Chinchilla’s Easter Week in an incomparable setting.

Trying the great variety found in traditional Manchego cuisine, the same to be enjoyed in the many bars and restaurants, where one can dare to try famed dishes such as atascaburras, ajo pringue or queso frito (Fried Cheese). And before heading off to a well-deserved rest, finish off the meal with miguelitos from La Roda and hojuelas a la miel.