Ciempozuelos
Encyclopedia
Ciempozuelos is a town in Spain. It is located in the south of the Community of Madrid. It had a population of 17,769 in 2005 http://www.madrid.org/desvan/almudena/FichaMunicipal.icm?codMunZona=0409
Its origins appear to be Moorish and the name refers to the number of wells
that existed in the town. It is clearly not as well-known as its neighbours Chinchón
and Aranjuez
. However, it was the birthplace of Ventura Rodríguez
the architect.
It was also known for having a large mental institution. More recently it has been the subject of many news reports due to corruption scandals involving councillors and the construction industry. Some of its historic houses - some of which are linked to small caves - are being replaced with new buildings. The town is mainly agricultural, serving the lands next to the Jarama
valley.
Its origins appear to be Moorish and the name refers to the number of wells
Water well
A water well is an excavation or structure created in the ground by digging, driving, boring or drilling to access groundwater in underground aquifers. The well water is drawn by an electric submersible pump, a trash pump, a vertical turbine pump, a handpump or a mechanical pump...
that existed in the town. It is clearly not as well-known as its neighbours Chinchón
Chinchón
Chinchón is a Spanish town 50 km southeast of Madrid. It is part of the Comarca de Las Vegas.-Overview:The Plaza Mayor is roughly circular, surrounded by 15th-17th century galleried houses and cafés and is used as a temporary bullring. The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was built in...
and Aranjuez
Aranjuez
Aranjuez is a town lying 48 km south of Madrid, in the southern part of the Community of Madrid. It is located at the confluence of the Tagus and Jarama rivers, 48 km from Toledo. As of 2009, it has a population of 54,055.-History:...
. However, it was the birthplace of Ventura Rodríguez
Ventura Rodríguez
Ventura Rodríguez Tizón was a Spanish architect and artist. Born at Ciempozuelos, Rodríguez was the son of a bricklayer. In 1727, he collaborated with his father in the work at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez.-Major works:...
the architect.
It was also known for having a large mental institution. More recently it has been the subject of many news reports due to corruption scandals involving councillors and the construction industry. Some of its historic houses - some of which are linked to small caves - are being replaced with new buildings. The town is mainly agricultural, serving the lands next to the Jarama
Jarama
Jarama is a river in central Spain. It flows north to south, and passes east of Madrid when El Atazar Dam is built on a tributary, the Lozoya River. It flows into the river Tagus in Aranjuez...
valley.