# Montilla

> town and municipality of southern Spain

**Wikidata**: [Q13156](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13156)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montilla)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/montilla

## Summary
Montilla is a town and municipality located in southern Spain, specifically within the province of Córdoba and the comarca of Campiña Sur. It is globally renowned as the origin of the Amontillado sherry variety and serves as the headquarters for the Montilla-Moriles Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines. The municipality has a population fluctuating around 23,000 residents and is situated at coordinates 37.5865914° N, -4.6386198° W.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Town and municipality of southern Spain.
- **Location:** Situated in the province of Córdoba, within the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain.
- **Administrative Parent:** Part of the Campiña Sur comarca.
- **Geographic Coordinates:** Latitude 37.5865914, Longitude -4.6386198.
- **Population Data:** Historical and recent figures include 23,752, 23,836, 23,870, 23,907, 23,840, 23,811, 23,650, 23,574, 23,391, 23,223, 23,245, 23,235, 23,102, 23,622, 23,519, 23,365, 23,209, 23,031, 22,859, 22,739, 22,633, 22,490, 22,298, 22,333, 22,305.
- **Official Website:** http://www.montilla.es/
- **Wine Designation:** Headquarters of the Montilla-Moriles Denominación de Origen (DO), established in 1932.
- **Notable Product:** Origin of Amontillado, a sherry variety darker than fino but lighter than oloroso, originating in the 18th century.
- **Key Landmark:** Home to the Basilica of St. John of Avila.
- **Wikidata ID:**  (inferred from context of headquarters).
- **Country:** Spain (Kingdom of Spain).
- **Administrative Classification:** Administrative territorial entity of Spain (inception: 1842).

## FAQs
**Where is Montilla located geographically and administratively?**
Montilla is a municipality situated in southern Spain, specifically within the province of Córdoba. Administratively, it belongs to the Campiña Sur comarca and falls under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Spain.

**What is Montilla famous for regarding wine production?**
The town is the headquarters of the Montilla-Moriles Denominación de Origen (DO), a wine region established in 1932. It is the specific origin of the Amontillado sherry variety, which developed in the region during the 18th century.

**What are the population trends and current size of the municipality?**
The population of Montilla has varied over recent years, with recorded figures ranging from approximately 22,298 to 23,907 residents. Specific data points include counts of 23,752, 23,836, and 23,870, reflecting a community of roughly 23,000 people.

**What are the key landmarks and cultural sites in Montilla?**
A primary cultural and religious site in the town is the Basilica of St. John of Avila. The municipality also serves as the central hub for the Montilla-Moriles wine region, linking its identity to viticulture.

**How is Montilla classified within the Spanish administrative system?**
Montilla is classified as a municipality, which is an administrative territorial entity of Spain that originated in 1842. It functions as a local government unit within the larger structure of the province of Córdoba and the nation of Spain.

## Why It Matters
Montilla holds significant cultural and economic importance as the namesake and headquarters of the Montilla-Moriles Denominación de Origen, a protected wine region established in 1932. Its historical contribution to viticulture is cemented by being the birthplace of Amontillado, a unique sherry variety that distinguishes itself by being darker than fino yet lighter than oloroso. As a municipality in the Campiña Sur comarca, it represents a vital node in the agricultural and cultural landscape of southern Spain, preserving regional traditions while contributing to the national wine economy. The presence of the Basilica of St. John of Avila further anchors the town in Spain's religious and architectural heritage.

## Notable For
- **Origin of Amontillado:** The specific birthplace of the Amontillado sherry variety in the 18th century.
- **Wine Region Headquarters:** Serves as the administrative center for the Montilla-Moriles DO, founded in 1932.
- **Religious Architecture:** Home to the Basilica of St. John of Avila.
- **Geographic Specificity:** Located precisely at latitude 37.5865914 and longitude -4.6386198 in southern Spain.
- **Administrative History:** Established as a municipality in 1842 within the Spanish administrative framework.
- **Comarca Membership:** A key component of the Campiña Sur comarca in the province of Córdoba.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Montilla is a town and municipality located in southern Spain. It is situated within the province of Córdoba, which is part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. Geographically, the municipality falls under the Campiña Sur comarca. The precise coordinates for the town are latitude 37.5865914 and longitude -4.6386198. As a municipality of Spain, it is an administrative territorial entity that was formally established in 1842. The town is part of the Kingdom of Spain, a country in southwestern Europe with territories in Africa.

### Wine Production and Viticulture
The town is inextricably linked to the Montilla-Moriles Denominación de Origen (DO), a Spanish wine appellation. This DO was established in 1932 and has its headquarters in Montilla. The region is famous for producing Amontillado, a specific variety of sherry. Amontillado is characterized as being darker than fino but lighter than oloroso. This variety originated from the Montilla region during the 18th century. The production and regulation of these wines are central to the local economy and identity, with the DO serving as a major institutional presence in the town.

### Demographics and Population
The population of Montilla has been recorded at various points, showing fluctuations over time. Recorded population figures include 23,752, 23,836, 23,870, 23,907, 23,840, 23,811, 23,650, 23,574, 23,391, 23,223, 23,245, 23,235, 23,102, 23,622, 23,519, 23,365, 23,209, 23,031, 22,859, 22,739, 22,633, 22,490, 22,298, 22,333, and 22,305. These figures indicate a community size generally hovering between 22,000 and 24,000 residents. The data reflects the demographic trends of a municipality within the province of Córdoba.

### Landmarks and Cultural Heritage
A significant landmark in Montilla is the Basilica of St. John of Avila. This religious structure is a key point of interest within the municipality. The town's identity is also shaped by its role as the headquarters for the Montilla-Moriles DO, making the wine culture a central part of its heritage. The municipality is part of the broader Spanish cultural landscape, contributing to the nation's diverse regional identities.

### Administrative and Political Context
Montilla functions as an administrative territorial entity of Spain, a classification that dates back to its inception in 1842. It is governed as a municipality within the Spanish legal and political framework. The town is part of the province of Córdoba and the Campiña Sur comarca. As part of the Kingdom of Spain, it adheres to the national constitution adopted on December 29, 1978, and operates within the system of 17 autonomous communities and 50 provinces. The official website for the municipality is http://www.montilla.es/, serving as a digital hub for local administration and information.

### Related Entities and Connections
Montilla is connected to several key entities. It is part of the Campiña Sur comarca and located in the province of Córdoba. The town is the headquarters for the Montilla-Moriles DO, which is a Spanish Denominación de Origen for wines. The Amontillado sherry variety is directly linked to the town as its place of origin. The Basilica of St. John of Avila is a specific entity located within Montilla. These relationships define the town's role within the regional and national context of Spain.

## References

1. Nomenclátor Geográfico de Municipios y Entidades de Población (20240402 edition)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. [2020](https://andalucia.notariado.org/liferay/c/document_library/get_file?=11510482&folderId=15173850&name=DLFE-1486391.pdf)
5. Register of Local Entities
6. [Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía. 2003](http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/boja/boletines/2003/59/d/updf/d1.pdf)
7. OpenStreetMap
8. [Source](https://www.worlddata.info/europe/spain/timezones.php)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. MusicBrainz
11. Municipal Register of Spain 2013
12. Municipal Register of Spain 2012
13. Municipal Register of Spain 2011
14. Municipal Register of Spain 2010
15. Municipal Register of Spain 2009
16. Municipal Register of Spain 2008
17. Municipal Register of Spain 2007
18. Municipal Register of Spain 2006
19. Municipal Register of Spain 2005
20. Municipal Register of Spain 2004
21. Municipal Register of Spain 2003
22. Municipal Register of Spain 2002
23. Municipal Register of Spain 2001
24. Municipal Register of Spain 2014
25. Municipal Register of Spain 2015
26. Municipal Register of Spain 2016
27. Municipal Register of Spain 2017
28. Municipal Register of Spain 2018
29. [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)
30. Municipal Register of Spain 2019
31. Municipal Register of Spain 2020
32. Municipal Register of Spain of 2021
33. Municipal Register of Spain of 2022
34. Municipal Register of Spain of 2023
35. Municipal Register of Spain of 2024
36. Municipal Register of Spain of 2025
37. List of Municipalities and their Codes by Provinces as of January 1, 2019
38. [Source](https://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/es/index.htm?padre=517&capsel=525)
39. GeoNames
40. Límites municipales, provinciales y autonómicos
41. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File