OLIVARES
by Saskia Mier
Olivares is a Roman town with great history that can be discovered by walking the streets observing its various historical buildings and sites. It has about 9,400 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Olivares was founded after the Roman conquest of the province Betica by Turculus. Trade and communication with other cultures was carried out through the Maenoba River, now known as Guadiamar.
In the thirteenth century, the lands were donated by King Fernando III to the Infantes Manuel and Fadrique. In 1356 they belonged to Álvaro Pérez de Guzmán under the name Estercolinas. In 1484, Estercolinas and neighbouring Heliche were named 'del Guzmán' referring to the Duke of Medina-Sidonia. The fourth son of the Duke was Pedro de Guzmán, who fought for Carlos I in Germany, Flanders, Austria and Tunisia. In 1535, Carlos I appointed Pedro de Guzmán, Count of Olivares.
In 1539 Pedro de Guzmán married Francisca Ribera Niño and in the middle of the sixteenth century built his Renaissance style palace in Olivares.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Colegial de Santa María de las Nieves
The original chapel was built in 1552 by Pedro de Guzmán y Zúñiga, I Count of Olivares and later in 1590, thanks to Pope Gregory XIII, was granted blessing to construct a collegial church. It was not built until the beginning of the seventeenth century, after valuation of architect, Vermondo Resta, and under the direction of Sebastián de Ruesta. It was concluded in 1658. Today it is home to a museum called Casa-Museo de la Soledad. Located in Plaza de España.
Museo Hermandad de la Soledad
The museum was inaugurated in 1978 and houses items of religion and worship. It was extended and refurbished in depth between 1995 and 1996, providing it with new wooden display cabinets, wall coverings, flooring and lighting. Located in the Iglesia Colegial de Santa María de las Nieves.
Palacio Ducal
The palace belonging to the Count Duke of Olivares is an important building built by the Guzman family. The works were contracted by, Pedro de Guzmán y Zúñiga, I Count of Olivares, to the architect, Giacomo Solari de Carona in 1536. It became a monument of cultural interest in 1971. Today the east wing belongs to the Olivarense Union Circle, and the rest is home to the Town Hall. There is also a museum area consisting of a permanent exhibition of handmade reproductions of dresses and costumes from the Baroque period. Located in Plaza de España.
Opening Times:
Monday-Saturday, 09:00-14:00hrs
Tel: 955 71 80 47
Email: [email protected]
Plaza de España
The main square was built during the sixteenth century by mandate of the I Count of Olivares, Pedro de Guzmán y Zúñiga. It was declared historical-artistic cultural interest in 1971. The Plaza de España is where the Baroque Festival that began in 2003 is celebrated.
Capilla de la Vera Cruz
The Brotherhood of the Santa Vera Cruz was founded by Pedro Perez de Guzmán, I Count of Olivares. Its original founders were twelve in total, influenced by the abundant graces and indulgences granted by Pope Paul III. A small hospital was later built in 1560 on a plot donated by Countess Francisca de Ribera, and later became the chapel. Located in Calle Roelas.
Museo Hermandad de la Vera Cruz
The museum houses items of religion and worship. Located in the Capilla de la Vera Cruz.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Torre de San Antonio
An Arabic defensive tower dating to the eleventh century built as a three-story square formed plan, with windows on the four walls upon the third floor and served as a control tower. Until a few years ago its state was totally ruinous, but the Escuela Taller de Olivares carried out its restoration. Located north of Olivares, at the foot of the SE-527.
Abrevadero de La Coriana
A unique water trough with a spring that is safe to drink even in times of drought. It was also a resting place at the intersection of the cattle tracks. Later La Coriana became a recreation area, with outdoor eating and barbecue areas. Located north of Olivares, at the foot of the SE-527.
NATURAL AREAS
Corredor Verde del Guadiama
A natural space equipped with an Interpretation Centre, botanical gardens (Parque Botánico de Buitrago) and several viewing points.
Opening Times:
January-June, Monday-Wednesday, 10:00-14:00hrs.
January-June, Thursday-Sunday, 10:00-14:00hrs and 17:00-20:00hrs.
July and August, Tuesday, 10:00-14:00hrs.
July and August, Wednesday-Monday, 10:00-14:00hrs and 20:00-23:00hrs.
September-December, Monday-Wednesday, 10:00-14:00hrs.
September-December, Thursday-Sunday, 10:00-14:00hrs and 17:00-20:00hrs.
Tel: 954 49 70 43 or 954 49 70 43.
Email: [email protected]
GASTRONOMY
Olivares offers a variety of Andalusian dishes as well as those more traditional ones such as, cocido de troncho (meat stew) cocido de tagarninas (thistle stew), migas (fried bread), pollo con almendras (chicken with almonds), papas de paseo (stewed potatoes), tortilla de patatas y tagarninas (potato and thistle omelette) and tortas de naranjas (orange torts).
FESTIVALS
Cabalgata Reyes Magos
Three Kings procession celebrated on the evening of 5 January.
Fiesta de San Blas
Celebrated the 3 Febuary.
Festividad de San Sebastián
Celebrated the 20 January.
Día de Andalucía and Día de la Bicicleta
Celebrated the 28 Febuary.
Carnaval
Celebrated in February.
Semana Santa
Holy Week.
Fiesta del Mercado Barroco
A Baroque market celebrated in June.
Fiestas Patronales en Honor de la Virgen de las Nieves
Celebrated the beginning of August.
Romería del Verdeo
Pilgrimage celebrated the last Sunday of September.
Muestra de Musica Antigua
A medieval music festival celebrated in October.
NEXT PLACES
The next villages to Olivares are Albaida de Aljarafe, Salteras and Sanlúcar La Mayor.
Hover the cursor over Olivares to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.