# Villarrobledo

> human settlement in Albacete Province, Castile-La Mancha, Spain

**Wikidata**: [Q82030](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q82030)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villarrobledo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/villarrobledo

## Summary
Villarrobledo is a municipality located in Albacete Province, within the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha, Spain. Founded in 1292, it is a historic human settlement with a population of approximately 25,000–26,000 residents, serving as an administrative and cultural hub in its region.

## Key Facts
- **Location:** Situated in Albacete Province, Castile-La Mancha, Spain.
- **Inception:** Founded in 1292.
- **Population:** Fluctuates between 24,000 and 26,686 residents across recorded years.
- **Coordinates:** Latitude 39.266666666667, Longitude -2.6.
- **Administrative Classification:** Municipality of Spain (since 1842).
- **Website:** [http://www.villarrobledo.com/](http://www.villarrobledo.com/)
- **Wikidata Description:** Human settlement in Albacete Province, Castile-La Mancha, Spain.
- **Sitelink Count:** 80 (Wikidata).

## FAQs
**Where is Villarrobledo located?**
Villarrobledo is located in Albacete Province, which is part of the Castile-La Mancha autonomous community in central Spain. It lies at coordinates 39.266666666667° N latitude and -2.6° W longitude.

**When was Villarrobledo founded?**
The municipality was officially established in 1292, making it a historic settlement with over 700 years of recorded history.

**What is the population of Villarrobledo?**
The population has varied over recent years, with recorded figures ranging from 23,416 to 26,686 residents. As of available data, it hovers around 25,000–26,000 people.

**What administrative role does Villarrobledo play?**
As a municipality of Spain (since 1842), Villarrobledo functions as a local administrative unit within Albacete Province, managing governance, infrastructure, and services for its residents.

**Is Villarrobledo part of any larger regional or historical context?**
Yes, it is part of Castile-La Mancha, a region known for its historical significance in Spain, including ties to the medieval Kingdom of Castile and its role in Spanish literature (e.g., Cervantes' *Don Quixote*).

## Why It Matters
Villarrobledo represents a microcosm of Spain’s municipal governance and regional identity within Castile-La Mancha. As a settlement founded in the 13th century, it reflects the enduring administrative and cultural structures of rural Spain. Its population trends and local governance contribute to the broader demographic and economic dynamics of Albacete Province, a key agricultural and industrial area in central Spain. The municipality’s history and current role underscore the importance of smaller towns in sustaining Spain’s regional diversity and heritage.

## Notable For
- **Historical Longevity:** Founded in 1292, making it one of the older continuously inhabited settlements in Albacete Province.
- **Population Stability:** Maintains a consistent population of ~25,000–26,000, reflecting its role as a stable regional hub.
- **Administrative Significance:** Serves as a municipality within Spain’s decentralized governance system, managing local affairs since 1842.
- **Geographic Position:** Located in central Spain, contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of Castile-La Mancha.
- **Digital Presence:** Maintains an official website ([villarrobledo.com](http://www.villarrobledo.com/)), indicating active municipal engagement with modern communication tools.

## Body

### History and Inception
Villarrobledo was founded in 1292, placing its origins in the late medieval period of the Iberian Peninsula. This era was marked by the Reconquista and the consolidation of Christian kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Castile, which later unified with Aragon to form the basis of modern Spain. The settlement’s establishment aligns with broader patterns of rural development and fortification during this time.

As a municipality of Spain, Villarrobledo has been formally recognized since 1842, a period when Spain underwent significant administrative reforms to centralize governance while preserving local autonomy. This dual structure remains a hallmark of Spain’s political system today.

### Geography and Location
Villarrobledo is situated in Albacete Province, part of the Castile-La Mancha autonomous community in central Spain. Its coordinates are 39.266666666667° N latitude and -2.6° W longitude, placing it in a region characterized by vast plains (*La Mancha*) and a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

The municipality’s location within Albacete Province connects it to a broader network of agricultural and industrial activity. Albacete is known for its production of wine, saffron, and ceramics, as well as its role as a transportation hub due to its central position in Spain.

### Demographics
Villarrobledo’s population has shown minor fluctuations over the past two decades, with recorded figures including:
- 26,513 (2023)
- 26,583 (2022)
- 26,485 (2021)
- 26,686 (2020)
- 26,642 (2019)
- 26,311 (2018)
- 25,417 (2017)
- 25,485 (2016)
- 24,729 (2015)
- 24,373 (2014)
- 24,074 (2013)
- 23,416 (2012)

These numbers reflect a relatively stable population, typical of rural municipalities in Spain that avoid the dramatic declines seen in more remote areas. The consistency suggests a balanced local economy and sufficient infrastructure to retain residents.

### Governance and Administration
Villarrobledo operates as a municipality (*municipio*) within Spain’s administrative framework. This classification grants it authority over local governance, including urban planning, public services, education, and cultural initiatives. The municipality is part of Albacete Province, which in turn is governed by the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha.

Spain’s system of autonomous communities, established under the 1978 Constitution, allows regions like Castile-La Mancha to manage certain aspects of governance (e.g., education, healthcare) while deferring to the central government on national matters. Villarrobledo’s local administration aligns with this structure, balancing regional and national directives.

### Cultural and Regional Context
As part of Castile-La Mancha, Villarrobledo is embedded in a region renowned for its historical and literary significance. The area is famously associated with Miguel de Cervantes’ *Don Quixote*, which immortalized the landscapes of La Mancha. While Villarrobledo itself is not a major tourist destination, its proximity to culturally significant sites contributes to its regional identity.

The municipality’s name, derived from Spanish (*villa* = town, *robledo* = oak grove), hints at its historical landscape, likely characterized by oak forests that have since given way to agricultural fields. This etymology reflects the deep connection between Spanish settlements and their natural environments.

### Economic Role
Villarrobledo’s economy is primarily tied to the broader agricultural and industrial sectors of Albacete Province. Key activities in the region include:
- **Agriculture:** Production of wine (particularly from the La Mancha DO), saffron, olives, and cereals.
- **Industry:** Manufacturing of ceramics, knives (Albacete is famous for its cutlery), and automotive components.
- **Services:** Local commerce, education, and healthcare services catering to the municipality’s population.

The stability of Villarrobledo’s population suggests a resilient local economy, though specific economic data for the municipality is not provided in the source material.

### Digital Presence and Modernization
Villarrobledo maintains an official website ([http://www.villarrobledo.com/](http://www.villarrobledo.com/)), which serves as a platform for municipal communications, services, and community engagement. This digital presence indicates an effort to modernize local governance and improve accessibility for residents, a trend seen across Spanish municipalities in the 21st century.

### Related Administrative Entities
- **Albacete Province:** The broader provincial authority overseeing Villarrobledo, responsible for regional infrastructure, education, and economic development.
- **Castile-La Mancha:** The autonomous community that includes Albacete Province, managing decentralized governance functions such as healthcare and cultural policy.
- **Spain:** The national government, providing overarching legal, economic, and defense frameworks.

### Connections to National History
Villarrobledo’s existence spans critical periods in Spanish history, including:
- The medieval Reconquista and the formation of Christian kingdoms.
- The 1842 municipal reforms, which standardized local governance.
- The 20th-century transitions from monarchy to republic to dictatorship and finally to democracy (1978 Constitution).

While the municipality itself may not have played a pivotal role in these events, its continuity reflects the resilience of Spain’s rural communities through centuries of political and social change.

### Future Outlook
Like many Spanish municipalities, Villarrobledo faces challenges related to rural depopulation (*España vaciada*), though its stable population suggests it has thus far avoided severe decline. Future prospects may depend on:
- **Economic Diversification:** Expanding beyond traditional agriculture to include tourism or renewable energy.
- **Infrastructure Investment:** Improving transportation links to larger cities like Albacete or Madrid.
- **Digital Transformation:** Leveraging its online presence to attract remote workers or businesses.

As part of Castile-La Mancha, Villarrobledo will continue to benefit from regional development programs aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable growth.

## 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 2003
20. Municipal Register of Spain 2002
21. Municipal Register of Spain 2001
22. Municipal Register of Spain 2014
23. Municipal Register of Spain 2015
24. Municipal Register of Spain 2016
25. Municipal Register of Spain 2017
26. Municipal Register of Spain 2018
27. [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)
28. Municipal Register of Spain 2019
29. Municipal Register of Spain 2020
30. Municipal Register of Spain of 2021
31. Municipal Register of Spain of 2022
32. Municipal Register of Spain of 2023
33. Municipal Register of Spain of 2024
34. Municipal Register of Spain of 2025
35. List of Municipalities and their Codes by Provinces as of January 1, 2019
36. [Source](https://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/es/index.htm?padre=517&capsel=525)
37. GeoNames
38. Límites municipales, provinciales y autonómicos
39. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File