Saudades da vila. A journey through the Portuguese past of Olivenza.

Congratulations! You have decided to live the Olivenza experience. You are about to travel a unique itinerary full of history, beauty and unforgettable corners. Here you have the route with all the stops you are going to make. Remember: your cell phone will automatically stamp your passage through each point of the route. Welcome to your adventure! We hope you enjoy every step and manage to complete all the proposed places. Let the journey begin!

Stops

6 stop(s) in this experience

1

Santa Maria del Castillo

Built between 1584 and 1627 on the site of a former 13th century church, this Renaissance church is the work of André de Arenas. Its interior has three naves at the same height, typical of the so-called "salon-churches". Its baroque altarpieces, the 17th and 18th century tiles, and especially the altarpiece of the Tree of Jesse, a beautiful polychrome wood genealogical tree of Jesus and the Virgin that crowns the apse of the temple, stand out.

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2

Chapel of the Holy Spirit of the Holy House of Mercy

Founded in 1501 at the urging of Queen Leonor, the Santa Casa de Misericordia was installed in this chapel in 1520. Its chapel, with a single nave, stands out for its marble façade (1546) and for its interior lined with Baroque tiles by Manuel dos Santos, which illustrate biblical scenes related to the works of mercy. The baroque altarpieces complete an artistic and religious ensemble of great patrimonial value for Olivenza.

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3

Church of Santa María Magdalena

Built in the 16th century as the seat of the bishopric of Ceuta, this church is a magnificent example of the Portuguese Manueline style, with marine elements and vegetal decoration. Its interior impresses with three naves separated by torsas columns and baroque and neoclassical altarpieces. It houses the tomb of Fray Enrique de Coimbra and was chosen Most Beautiful Corner of Spain by the Repsol Guide in 2012. Next to it is the unique Manueline door of the Town Hall.

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4

San Juan de Dios Convent

Built between 1556 and 1631 as a convent of Poor Clares, its history was marked by wars and reforms. Integrated into the wall, it became the hospital of San Juan de Dios, barracks and later a theater school. Today it houses the Tourist Office and the Visitors' Center of the Great Alqueva Lake on the first floor, and the Espacio Olivenza Museum and the Papercraft Museum on the second floor, combining heritage, culture and contemporary art in the heart of Olivenza.

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5

Calvary Gate

The only preserved gate of the bastioned wall of Olivenza (17th century), built during the Restoration Wars. Facing Portugal, it stands out for its semicircular arch and ashlars of cushioned marble. On the pediment, the crowned coat of arms of Portugal and a relief of the Calvary recall the ancient Way of the Cross eliminated by the construction. A Latin inscription exalts the faith and the Empire. Recently restored, it is a testimony of the defensive history of the city.

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6

Alcazar

On an ancient Templar fortress, King Alfonso IV of Portugal ordered the construction of the citadel, with walls and tower, in 1334. In 1488, João II reinforced the imposing Torre del Homenaje, the highest in the Spanish-Portuguese border. Today, the fortress houses part of the Ethnographic Museum of Extremadura "González Santana", with rooms dedicated to traditional life, sacred art and archaeological pieces that give life to the local history and culture.

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