Olvera: Castillo Árabe, historic town center and Vía Verde

History

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

Architecture

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

Culture

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

Routes

The Vía Verde de la Sierra is a route more than 36 kilometers long between Olvera and Puerto Serrano, following the former route of the Jerez–Almargen railway line. The Vía Verde de la Sierra begins at the former railway station of the municipality of Olvera, below the historic castle; it can be traveled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The Vía Verde de la Sierra includes a total of 30 tunnels and four viaducts.

Landscape

Wooded hills and olive groves surround Olvera. In the wider regional area around Olvera lies the Peñón de Zaframagón nature reserve, which is home to one of Europe’s largest griffon vulture colonies.

Other places: Puerto Serrano, Benalup Casas Viejas, Rota, Algar, Prado Del Rey, San Roque, Poblado De Doña Blanca and La Barca De La Florida.

Traditions

Olivera is an annual fair held in Olvera dedicated to olive cultivation and extra virgin olive oil. The Olivera fair program includes olive oil tastings as well as guided tours of cooperatives and olive mills. The Santuario Los Remedios is an 18th-century temple where the patron saint of Olvera, the Virgen Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, is venerated. The Romería del Lunes de Quasimodo is celebrated around the Santuario Los Remedios on the second Monday after the Resurrection.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cadiz.