Olvera – Castle, Old Town and Vía Verde

Olvera’s historic town centre is designated as a historic site (“Conjunto Histórico”). Castillo Árabe and the white streets of the Barrio de la Villa lead through different chapters of the town’s history.

Culture

Castillo Árabe de Olvera was built at the end of the 12th century and formed part of the defence system of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. In 1327, Christian troops captured the castle; it subsequently became a bastion of the Crown of Castile. The Barrio de la Villa, Plaza de la Iglesia and the castle formed Olvera’s Arab almedina, which was conquered by Alfonso XI in 1327. Since 1985, Castillo Árabe de Olvera has been designated a “Bien de Interés Cultural” in the category of military architecture.

The Iglesia Parroquial de Olvera was built over the former Gothic-Mudejar parish church, whose apse is still preserved. The church was completed in 1843 in the Neoclassical style. Olvera’s Muralla Urbana preserves towers and sections of wall from the medieval fortifications. The Barrio de la Villa features narrow, irregular streets shaped by the terrain, whitewashed façades and access via stairways.

The restored cultural centre La Cilla houses the “Olvera, La Frontera y Los Castillos” cultural centre and includes an archaeological exhibition. Casa de La Cilla originally served to collect grain, fruit and harvest produce from the municipality of Olvera that belonged to the duchy.

Traditions

Santuario Los Remedios is an 18th-century temple where Olvera’s patron saint, Virgen Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, is venerated. The Romería del Lunes de Quasimodo is celebrated around Santuario Los Remedios on the second Monday after the Resurrection.

Nature

Wooded hills and olive groves surround Olvera. Vía Verde de la Sierra is a route of more than 36 kilometres between Olvera and Puerto Serrano, following the former Jerez–Almargen railway line. It includes 30 tunnels and four viaducts.

Vía Verde de la Sierra begins at the former railway station in the municipality of Olvera, below the historic castle. The route can be explored on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. This allows different route features and modes of transport to be considered separately when planning your own day trip.

In the wider regional surroundings of Olvera lies the Peñón de Zaframagón nature reserve, home to one of Europe’s largest colonies of griffon vultures.

Further destinations: Algeciras, Chipiona, San Martín del Tesorillo, Jimena De La Frontera, Estella del Marqués, Tarifa, Arcos De La Frontera, Setenil

Cuisine

Olivera is an annual fair held in Olvera focusing on olive growing and extra virgin olive oil. The Olivera programme includes olive oil tastings as well as guided tours of cooperatives and oil mills.

To the overarching travel overview: Cadiz.