# Villanueva de Gómez > municipality of Spain **Wikidata**: [Q664700](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q664700) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villanueva_de_Gómez) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/villanueva-de-g-mez ## Summary Villanueva de Gómez is a municipality located in the province of Ávila, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. Established as an administrative territorial entity in 1842, it is a small rural community situated at coordinates 40.883888888889° N latitude and -4.7152777777778° longitude. The municipality serves as a local government unit within the provincial structure of Ávila and operates under the administrative framework of Spain, the country in which it is located. ## Key Facts - **Official Name:** Villanueva de Gómez - **Alias:** Villanueva de Gomez - **Location:** Province of Ávila, Castile and León, Spain - **Country:** Spain - **Inception as municipality:** 1842 - **Coordinates:** Latitude 40.883888888889° N, Longitude -4.7152777777778° W - **Website:** http://www.villanuevadegomez.es/ - **Wikipedia Title:** Villanueva de Gómez - **Wikidata Description:** municipality of Spain - **Sitelink Count:** 42 - **Population Range (historical data):** 115 to 160 residents - **Image:** Church of Santa María la Mayor (ruins), photographed by Orilus, public domain - **Image URL:** https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b9/Sta_M_la_Mayor%2C_Villanueva_de_G%C3%B3mez%2C_restos.JPG ## FAQs **What type of administrative entity is Villanueva de Gómez?** Villanueva de Gómez is a municipality (municipio) in Spain, which serves as the lowest level of administrative territorial entity in the Spanish system. It was formally established as a municipality in 1842, following the reorganization of local administration in Spain during the 19th century. **Where is Villanueva de Gómez located geographically?** Villanueva de Gómez is situated in the province of Ávila, which is part of the autonomous community of Castile and León in southwestern Europe. The municipality lies at coordinates 40.883888888889° north latitude and 4.7152777777778° west longitude, placing it in the central-eastern portion of the Iberian Peninsula. **What is the population of Villanueva de Gómez?** Villanueva de Gómez is a small rural municipality with a population that has historically ranged between 115 and 160 residents. The population data shows fluctuations over time, with figures including 138, 144, 151, 146, 153, 156, 143, 160, 155, 144, 142, 140, 138, 132, 119, and 116 residents recorded at various points. **What notable landmarks exist in Villanueva de Gómez?** The municipality features the Church of Santa María la Mayor, which currently exists as ruins. This religious structure has been documented photographically, with an image available on Wikimedia Commons showing the remaining architectural elements. The photograph was taken by the user Orilus and is in the public domain. **What administrative framework governs Villanueva de Gómez?** Villanueva de Gómez operates within the Spanish municipal system, governed by the basic legislation establishing municipalities in Spain (established in 1842). It falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Province of Ávila, which itself is one of the 50 provinces in Spain. The province is part of the autonomous community of Castile and León, one of Spain's 17 autonomous communities. ## Why It Matters Villanueva de Gómez represents the foundational unit of local governance in Spain's administrative structure. As one of the 8,124 municipalities in Spain, it embodies the decentralized approach to governance that characterizes the Spanish political system. The municipality's establishment in 1842 reflects the modernization of local administration following the constitutional changes in Spain during the 19th century, specifically the establishment of uniform municipal boundaries across the country. For the province of Ávila, which is one of the five provinces in Castile and León, Villanueva de Gómez contributes to the region's demographic and administrative landscape. The province of Ávila is known for its historical heritage, medieval architecture, and rural character, and municipalities like Villanueva de Gómez form the administrative backbone that delivers local services to residents. The municipality also represents the continuity of local governance traditions in Spain, where municipalities serve as the primary interface between citizens and government. Each municipality has its own elected council (ayuntamiento) that handles local affairs, urban planning, public services, and community development. In the case of small rural municipalities like Villanueva de Gómez, the local government manages essential services for a small population, maintaining the social fabric of rural Castile and León. From a cultural perspective, the presence of the Church of Santa María la Mayor, even in its current state of ruins, indicates the historical religious and architectural heritage of the municipality. Such churches often serve as focal points for community identity and historical memory in Spanish rural areas. ## Notable For - **Historical Municipal Status:** Established in 1842 as part of the systematic organization of Spanish municipalities following the Liberal Constitution of 1812 and subsequent administrative reforms. - **Rural Castilian Identity:** Located in the heart of Castile and León, one of Spain's most historically significant autonomous communities, known for its medieval towns, castles, and cultural traditions. - **Religious Heritage:** Home to the ruins of the Church of Santa María la Mayor, a representative example of rural ecclesiastical architecture in the province of Ávila. - **Small Population Scale:** Represents the characteristic small-scale rural municipalities that comprise much of inland Spain, where population sizes often fall below 200 residents. - **Provincial Location:** Situated in Ávila province, which is renowned for its walled cities, Romanesque churches, and position along the Via de la Plata pilgrimage route. ## Body ### Geography and Location Villanueva de Gómez is positioned in the central-eastern region of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically within the province of Ávila. The municipality's precise geographic coordinates are 40.883888888889° north latitude and -4.7152777777778° west longitude. This location places it in the interior of Spain, away from the coastal regions, within the Castile and León autonomous community. The province of Ávila is characterized by its mountainous terrain, part of the Sistema Central mountain range, and its historical walled towns. The municipality's setting within this landscape contributes to the rural character of the area, where agriculture and small-scale farming have traditionally formed the economic backbone of local communities. ### Administrative History The municipality of Villanueva de Gómez was established in 1842, during a period of significant administrative reform in Spain. This year marks the implementation of the municipal organization that followed the constitutional developments of the early 19th century, including the Constitution of 1812, which first established the framework for municipal governance in modern Spain. The establishment of municipalities in 1842 was part of a broader process of centralization and standardization of administrative boundaries in Spain. Prior to this, the territorial organization had varied considerably, with different systems operating under the old regime. The new municipal structure created uniform administrative units across the country, each with defined boundaries, populations, and governance structures. As a municipality, Villanueva de Gómez falls under the jurisdiction of the Province of Ávila, which is one of the nine provinces comprising the autonomous community of Castile and León. Spain's administrative system operates on multiple levels: the central government, 17 autonomous communities, 50 provinces, and approximately 8,124 municipalities. Villanueva de Gómez occupies this lowest tier of territorial administration. ### Demographics and Population Villanueva de Gómez maintains a small population typical of rural municipalities in inland Spain. The recorded population figures demonstrate fluctuations over time, with values including 138, 144, 151, 146, 153, 156, 143, 160, 155, 144, 142, 140, 138, 132, 119, 116, 115, and 115 residents at various measurement points. These population numbers reflect the broader demographic trends affecting rural Spain, where many small municipalities have experienced population decline as younger generations have migrated to larger cities seeking employment and educational opportunities. The population range of 115 to 160 residents indicates a tight-knit community where local relationships and shared heritage likely play significant roles in social cohesion. ### Cultural and Architectural Heritage The municipality contains the ruins of the Church of Santa María la Mayor, a religious structure that represents the architectural and spiritual heritage of the community. Churches dedicated to Santa María (Saint Mary) were common throughout Castile and León, reflecting the deep Catholic traditions of the region. The church has been documented through photography, with an image available on Wikimedia Commons showing the remaining architectural elements. The photograph was taken by a contributor known as Orilus and has been released into the public domain, allowing for its use and reproduction without restrictions. This image serves as a visual record of the municipality's heritage and is indexed under the title referencing the church and the municipality's name. ### Local Governance and Services As a Spanish municipality, Villanueva de Gómez is governed by a local council (ayuntamiento) composed of elected officials who serve the community's interests. The municipal government is responsible for providing basic public services, maintaining local infrastructure, administering local regulations, and representing the municipality at higher administrative levels. The municipality maintains an official website at http://www.villanuevadegomez.es/, providing a digital presence for communication with residents and the public. This online presence reflects the modernization of local government services in Spain, where even small municipalities have developed digital infrastructure to engage with citizens. ### Regional Context: Castile and León Villanueva de Gómez is located in Castile and León, one of Spain's largest and most historically significant autonomous communities. The region encompasses a vast territory spanning much of northwestern Spain and is known for its rich historical heritage, medieval architecture, and distinct cultural traditions. The province of Ávila, within which Villanueva de Gómez is situated, is particularly renowned for its walled cities, Romanesque churches, and the Sierra de Gredos mountain range. The city of Ávila, the provincial capital, is famous for its complete medieval walls, which remain largely intact and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Castile and León operates as an autonomous community with its own regional government (Junta de Castilla y León), which exercises competencies in areas such as education, health, culture, and economic development. The regional government works in conjunction with provincial and municipal administrations to serve the needs of residents across the community's diverse territories, which include both urban centers and small rural municipalities like Villanueva de Gómez. ### Connection to Spain's Administrative System Villanueva de Gómez exists within a well-defined hierarchical administrative structure that connects local governance to national administration. At the base level, the municipality serves approximately 115 to 160 residents, providing direct services and representation. Above the municipality, the Province of Ávila coordinates provincial-level administration and represents the province's interests within the broader Castile and León autonomous community. Spain's system of autonomous communities, established following the 1978 Constitution, grants significant autonomy to regions like Castile and León while maintaining national cohesion. This structure allows for the preservation of regional cultural identities and the adaptation of governance to local needs, while also ensuring coordination on national and international matters. The municipality's inception date of 1842 places it within the modern tradition of Spanish local government, which emerged from the constitutional reforms of the 19th century and has evolved through subsequent political changes, including the transition to democracy following Franco's death in 1975. ### Digital Presence and Documentation Villanueva de Gómez maintains a presence in both traditional administrative structures and modern digital formats. The municipality has an official website (http://www.villanuevadegomez.es/) that provides information to residents and visitors. Additionally, the municipality has a Wikipedia article titled "Villanueva de Gómez" and a Wikidata entry that documents its administrative status, geographic location, and other factual information. The municipality has a sitelink count of 42, indicating its presence across multiple Wikimedia projects and reflecting the documentation of the municipality in the broader knowledge ecosystem. This digital documentation contributes to the accessibility of information about small Spanish municipalities, which might otherwise receive limited attention in national-level sources. ## 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. Municipal Register of Spain 2013 8. Municipal Register of Spain 2012 9. Municipal Register of Spain 2011 10. Municipal Register of Spain 2010 11. Municipal Register of Spain 2009 12. Municipal Register of Spain 2008 13. Municipal Register of Spain 2007 14. Municipal Register of Spain 2006 15. Municipal Register of Spain 2005 16. Municipal Register of Spain 2004 17. Municipal Register of Spain 2003 18. Municipal Register of Spain 2002 19. Municipal Register of Spain 2001 20. Municipal Register of Spain 2014 21. Municipal Register of Spain 2015 22. Municipal Register of Spain 2016 23. Municipal Register of Spain 2017 24. Municipal Register of Spain 2018 25. [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) 26. Municipal Register of Spain 2019 27. Municipal Register of Spain 2020 28. Municipal Register of Spain of 2021 29. Municipal Register of Spain of 2022 30. Municipal Register of Spain of 2023 31. Municipal Register of Spain of 2024 32. Municipal Register of Spain of 2025 33. List of Municipalities and their Codes by Provinces as of January 1, 2019 34. [Source](https://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/es/index.htm?padre=517&capsel=525) 35. GeoNames 36. Límites municipales, provinciales y autonómicos