Spain
The XIIth C Fortelleza, built as part of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada's defensive perimeter, (and manned by the famous Granadiers,) has been well restored and commands the countryside at 623m above sea level.
There is a famous Andaluz saying: 'Kill your man and flee to Olvera!' as it was so remote from Spanish intervention.
The old Arab town dribbles away to the plains beneath it.
If you everRead more
Spain
This intriguing little town originated in caves along the Trejo river, which at least from Arabic times have been turned into houses by the simple addition of facades. Continuous human occupation has erased any record of ancient dwellings, though the nearby Cueva de la Pileta shows evidence of habitation over 25,000 years old.
Modern Setenil begins in 1484, relatively late in the ChristianRead more
Spain
There is archaelogical evidence of human habitation in this area for more than 12,000 years (Palaeolithic) and historic for 2,000. Another town settled by the Phoenicians and Romans, whonamed it Hippa or Hippo Nova.
Visigoths from the Baltic regiontook it in the 5th century ACE, and the Berber armies from north Africa in the 9th century. They called it Wubira, or possibly Uriwila, and managed toRead more
Tony HammondIt looks quite a hip sort of town! And less of the ACE please and more of the AD in future....
Spain
Leaving town.
I could have bought 190 sq m of house - a do-er upper -in the old town for 30,000 Euros. But so many Brits have built inappropriate dwellings in Spain that the authorities have made it expensive to refurbish buildings and impossible to diverge from the original design and materials.
SpainTurns out that 'cabrillas', which didn't appear in our dictionary, are snails. Really rather delicious even if they don't look it!
SpainReally don't know if these are pig's kidneys or testicles. Either way they are horrible. Lovely chicken salad in a flatbread made up for it though!
SpainWeiterfahrt nach Olvera durch die Berge. Das Dorf war von Weitem schon zu sehen und wir mussten einen Abstecher machen.
SpainNach Besichtigung der alten Steine und einem Café con Leche entschieden wir uns, aufgrund der Temperaturen wieder an die Küste zu fahren. Also ab geht's Richtung Marbella ans 🌊 Meer.
You might also know this place by the following names:
Olvera, أولفيرا, Ольвера, 奥尔维拉
All jokes aside, that's magic scenery. Reminds of a small town in Italy called Sam Gimingano. (Sans it's towers)
It certainly has a commanding presence!