# Chinchón

> municipality in Spain

**Wikidata**: [Q915395](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q915395)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinchón)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chinch-n

## Summary
Chinchón is a municipality located in the Community of Madrid, an autonomous region of Spain. Known for its historic significance and picturesque setting, it was formerly the center of the County of Chinchón, established in 1520. Today, it is a notable administrative entity within Spain's system of municipalities, with a population fluctuating around 5,000 residents.

## Key Facts
- **Location:** Situated in the Community of Madrid, Spain, at coordinates 40.13944444444444° N, 3.426388888888889° W.
- **Type:** Municipality of Spain, part of the country's administrative territorial structure since 1842.
- **Population:** Historical records show variations, including 5,428 (2023), 5,404 (2022), 5,389 (2021), and earlier figures dating back to 4,346 (2000s).
- **Historical Context:** Originally the seat of the County of Chinchón, founded in 1520, which was a feudal territory within Spain.
- **Autonomous Community:** Belongs to the Community of Madrid, established in 1983 as one of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions.
- **Website:** Official municipal site at [http://www.ciudad-chinchon.com](http://www.ciudad-chinchon.com).
- **Wikidata Presence:** Documented with 50 sitelinks and described as a "municipality in Spain."
- **Aliases:** Also referred to as "Chinchon" (without an accent).

## FAQs
**Where is Chinchón located?**
Chinchón is a municipality in the Community of Madrid, Spain, positioned at approximately 40.14° N latitude and 3.43° W longitude. It lies within the central region of the country, about 45 kilometers southeast of the capital, Madrid.

**What is the historical significance of Chinchón?**
Chinchón was the administrative center of the County of Chinchón, a feudal jurisdiction established in 1520. This historical role contributes to its cultural and architectural heritage, including landmarks like the Plaza Mayor and the Castle of the Counts.

**How large is Chinchón’s population?**
The population has fluctuated over the years, with recent estimates around 5,400 residents. Historical data shows figures ranging from 4,346 in the early 2000s to peaks of 5,818 in more recent years.

**What administrative role does Chinchón play in Spain?**
As a municipality, Chinchón is a basic administrative unit within Spain’s local government system, which was formalized in 1842. It operates under the governance of the Community of Madrid, one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities.

**Is Chinchón part of any larger historical or cultural entities?**
Yes, it was the core of the County of Chinchón, a former county dissolved during Spain’s administrative reforms. The county’s legacy is preserved in local traditions, architecture, and the municipality’s status as a historical site.

## Why It Matters
Chinchón serves as a microcosm of Spain’s layered history, from its feudal past as a county seat to its modern role as a municipality within a decentralized autonomous community. Its preservation of medieval and early modern architecture—such as its iconic Plaza Mayor and the Castle of the Counts—offers tangible connections to Spain’s aristocratic and administrative evolution. As part of the Community of Madrid, it also reflects the broader dynamics of regional governance in Spain, where local identities coexist with national frameworks. For historians, tourists, and urban planners, Chinchón provides a case study in how small municipalities balance heritage conservation with contemporary governance.

## Notable For
- **Feudal Legacy:** Former capital of the County of Chinchón (1520–1842), a rare surviving example of Spain’s pre-modern territorial organization.
- **Architectural Landmarks:** Home to the Plaza Mayor, a quintessential Spanish main square, and the Castle of the Counts, a symbol of its noble past.
- **Population Stability:** Maintains a consistent population of ~5,000, reflecting its role as a stable rural-adjacent community near Madrid.
- **Administrative Longevity:** Continuously functioning as a municipality since Spain’s 1842 municipal reforms.
- **Cultural Tourism:** A destination for visitors interested in Spain’s medieval and Renaissance-era history, particularly its aristocratic estates.
- **Autonomous Community Integration:** Exemplifies the governance model of the Community of Madrid, showcasing how local municipalities operate within Spain’s decentralized system.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Chinchón is located in the central region of Spain, within the Community of Madrid. Its coordinates are 40.13944444444444° N latitude and 3.426388888888889° W longitude, placing it approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Madrid. The municipality is characterized by its elevated position on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Its geography has historically made it a strategic location, contributing to its role as a feudal county seat.

### Historical Context
The origins of Chinchón as an administrative center date back to 1520, when it became the capital of the County of Chinchón. This county was a feudal territory governed by noble families, including the Counts of Chinchón, who played significant roles in Spanish court politics. The county’s jurisdiction was dissolved during the 19th-century liberal reforms that reorganized Spain’s administrative structure, culminating in the 1842 municipal system that integrated Chinchón as a modern municipality.

Key historical milestones:
- **1520:** Establishment of the County of Chinchón, marking the beginning of its feudal era.
- **1842:** Transition to a municipality under Spain’s new administrative framework, which abolished feudal counties.
- **1983:** Incorporation into the newly formed Community of Madrid, one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities.

### Administrative Role
As a municipality, Chinchón is governed by a local council (ayuntamiento) responsible for public services, urban planning, and cultural heritage management. It operates under the legal and administrative framework of the Community of Madrid, which was established in 1983 following Spain’s post-Franco decentralization. The municipality’s governance reflects the broader Spanish model, where local entities retain significant autonomy while adhering to regional and national laws.

### Demographics
Chinchón’s population has shown gradual fluctuations over the past two decades, with recorded figures including:
- **2023:** 5,428
- **2022:** 5,404
- **2021:** 5,389
- **2020:** 5,344
- **2019:** 5,308
- **2018:** 5,191
- **2017:** 5,071
- **2016:** 4,943
- **2015:** 4,868
- **2014:** 4,738
- **2000s:** ~4,346–4,270

These numbers indicate a stable but slowly growing community, likely influenced by its proximity to Madrid and its appeal as a residential and tourist destination.

### Cultural and Architectural Heritage
Chinchón is renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture, which attracts visitors and scholars alike. Notable landmarks include:
- **Plaza Mayor:** A classic Spanish main square surrounded by wooden-balconied buildings, dating to the 15th century. It serves as the heart of the municipality and a venue for festivals and markets.
- **Castle of the Counts:** A medieval fortress that was the residence of the Counts of Chinchón. Though partially ruined, it remains a symbol of the town’s feudal past.
- **Church of Our Lady of the Assumption:** A 16th-century church blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, housing artworks by Francisco de Goya, whose wife was a member of the Chinchón nobility.

These sites are protected under Spain’s cultural heritage laws and contribute to Chinchón’s status as a historical tourism hub.

### Relationship to the Community of Madrid
The Community of Madrid, established in 1983, is one of Spain’s most populous and economically dynamic autonomous regions. Chinchón’s inclusion in this community provides it with access to regional funding, infrastructure projects, and cultural initiatives. The municipality benefits from Madrid’s broader economic ecosystem while maintaining its distinct rural character and historical identity.

### Modern Governance and Infrastructure
Chinchón’s local government manages essential services such as waste collection, education, and public safety. The municipality’s official website ([http://www.ciudad-chinchon.com](http://www.ciudad-chinchon.com)) serves as a platform for civic engagement, tourism promotion, and administrative transparency. Infrastructure developments, including road networks and public facilities, are coordinated with the Community of Madrid to ensure connectivity with the capital and neighboring areas.

### Related Historical Entities
- **County of Chinchón (1520–1842):** The feudal predecessor to the modern municipality, governed by noble families with ties to the Spanish monarchy.
- **Community of Madrid (1983–present):** The autonomous region that oversees Chinchón’s governance and regional integration.

### Significance in Spanish Municipal Systems
Chinchón exemplifies the evolution of Spain’s local governance, from feudal counties to democratic municipalities. Its history mirrors broader national trends, including the centralization reforms of the 19th century and the decentralization of the late 20th century. As a small but historically rich municipality, it highlights the balance between preserving heritage and adapting to modern administrative demands.

## References

1. Nomenclátor Geográfico de Municipios y Entidades de Población (20240402 edition)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Register of Local Entities
4. OpenStreetMap
5. [Source](https://www.worlddata.info/europe/spain/timezones.php)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. datos.bne.es
8. MusicBrainz
9. Municipal Register of Spain 2013
10. Municipal Register of Spain 2012
11. Municipal Register of Spain 2011
12. Municipal Register of Spain 2010
13. Municipal Register of Spain 2009
14. Municipal Register of Spain 2008
15. Municipal Register of Spain 2007
16. Municipal Register of Spain 2006
17. Municipal Register of Spain 2005
18. Municipal Register of Spain 2004
19. Municipal Register of Spain 2002
20. Municipal Register of Spain 2001
21. Municipal Register of Spain 2014
22. Municipal Register of Spain 2015
23. Municipal Register of Spain 2016
24. Municipal Register of Spain 2017
25. Municipal Register of Spain 2018
26. [Cifras oficiales de población resultantes de la revisión del Padrón municipal a 1 de enero. National Statistics Institute](http://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/index.htm?padre=525)
27. Municipal Register of Spain 2019
28. Municipal Register of Spain 2020
29. Municipal Register of Spain of 2021
30. Municipal Register of Spain of 2022
31. Municipal Register of Spain of 2023
32. Municipal Register of Spain of 2024
33. Municipal Register of Spain of 2025
34. List of Municipalities and their Codes by Provinces as of January 1, 2019
35. [Source](https://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/es/index.htm?padre=517&capsel=525)
36. GeoNames
37. Quora
38. Límites municipales, provinciales y autonómicos
39. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File