Chinchón, the Madrid village that hid Scarlett Johansson and boasts one of the most beautiful squares in the world

Chinchón, 40 minutes from Madrid, hid Scarlett Johansson during the filming of 'Asteroid City'. Its medieval Plaza Mayor is among the world's most beautiful.

Javier Calvo
Javier Calvo
· 2 min read

Just 40 minutes from Madrid, Chinchón was the refuge of Scarlett Johansson during the filming of 'Asteroid City'. Its Plaza Mayor, with over 200 balconies, is among the most beautiful in the world.

During the filming of Asteroid City, the blockbuster by Wes Anderson, actress Scarlett Johansson temporarily settled in Chinchón, a historic municipality in the southeast of the Community of Madrid. The presence of the Hollywood star transformed the routine of the locals, who saw their village become an improvised film set, according to noticiasdelvino.com.

The town, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, retains a medieval appearance that has attracted directors and travellers. Its Plaza Mayor, of medieval origin and with more than two hundred green-painted wooden balconies, has been included in several international rankings as one of the most beautiful in the world.

The compact, pedestrian historic centre houses the Monastery of the Augustinians, converted into a Parador de Turismo, where traditional cuisine and relaxation are combined. In the Church of the Assumption, one can admire an original canvas by Francisco de Goya, and the paths lead to the ruins of the ancient castle.

To reach it from the capital's centre, one must drive about 40 minutes along a comfortable road that requires attention. The best time to visit is in spring and the early days of autumn, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.

Pay attention to traffic regulations in the historic centre: car access to the square area is highly restricted to protect the heritage, and fines for driving without authorization can ruin your day off.

The demand for boutique accommodations and reservations at traditional roast houses continues to grow, driven by interest in destinations with a strong cultural identity and the possibility of disconnecting without going through the airport.

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