Olvera, One Of The Most Beautiful Towns In Cádiz

A white town and a crossroads, Olvera is one of the most beautiful municipalities in Cádiz and Andalusia. A town of narrow and steep streets that lead to two old treasures: the church and the Moorish castle. We are going to visit this beautiful town. Can you come with us?

Olvera , in the heart of Andalusia

This is a charming town located in Cadiz lands, but a step away from the provinces of Malaga and Seville. Located, more specifically, in the extreme northeast of the Cádiz mountain range, it has a Moorish flavor that makes it very special.

Olvera has nothing to envy to other perhaps better known provincial towns, such as Conil de la Frontera, Jerez, Tarifa or Chipiona. In fact, its old town has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site since 1983.

Perching on a high cliff, the labyrinthine streets of Olvera guide the steps to its two great treasures. Two buildings that dominate the landscape and give shape to an unforgettable postcard.

Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation

It is a magnificent  neoclassical church ,  formed by three wide parallel naves, a central one with a Latin cross and two lateral ones. Construction began at the end of the seventeenth century, although the works did not end until 1843, after the demolition of the old Gothic-Mudejar temple, of which only its apse remains.

A monumental church that stands out for its main facade, with two twin towers. But in addition to its beauty, it stands out for offering an extraordinary panoramic view of the entire town of Cadiz and its surroundings.

Moorish castle and ramparts

The castle is a 12th century construction that was part of the defensive system of the Nasrid kingdom of Granada. Of the old fortification, only the wall fence that surrounded the neighborhood of La Villa is preserved,  and it is that over the centuries it suffered innumerable attacks and repairs. For this reason, today it presents Christian features in its construction.

In the castle you can see the parade ground and the keep, as well as part of the wall, two towers and a cistern. And also from the fortress you can admire fantastic views of the municipality and its surroundings.

Other attractions of Olvera

Olvera has many other attractions. In order not to miss any detail, the ideal is to start the monumental route from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and from there go out to the historic center to visit the buildings we have just talked about: the church and the castle.

Leaving the fortress you access the main street, which leads to the Monument to the Sacred Heart and the Church of Our Lady of Victory. Already on the outskirts, it is worth visiting the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Socorros.

Other tourist routes in Olvera

There are those who are not satisfied with spending their rest days in a single location, wanting to discover other points of interest close to where they are. Well, Olvera is part of the so-called White Villages route.  Ideal, especially if you travel by car.

The route is made up of nineteen towns of enormous beauty. Towns that, of course, are characterized by their whitewashed houses. But among so many possibilities, which one to choose? Any option is good, although there are some that stand out. Such is the case of Olvera, but also of Setenil de las Bodegas, famous for its picturesque urban fabric.

Zahara de la Sierra and Grazamela deserve special mention, located in the Sierra de Grazamela Natural Park. And you must not pass by Arcos de la Frontera, with interesting monuments such as the Palace of the Count of the Eagle, the castle or the Church of San Pedro; Ubrique, also declared a Historic Site; and Castellar de la Frontera, in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park.

However, for those who do not want to travel so much, there is another alternative: the Vía Verde de la Sierra, an old railway infrastructure equipped for tourist use and that can be done on foot, by bike or on horseback.

Its route runs for 38 kilometers between Olvera and Puerto Serrano, parallel to the banks of numerous rivers. Along the way you can find outstanding places, such as the Peñón de Zaframagón Natural Reserve or the Chaparro de la Vega Natural Monument.