Olvera is another one of those fairytale villages that from a distance is spellbinding. As you cross the rugged plains of the Sierra de Grazalema you will at once see, rising out of the surrounding olive groves, an exquisite white village with a soaring cathedral and castle at its center. Olvera is yet another chance to go back in time and explore these ancient white villages along the now famous "pueblos blancos" route in southern Spain. If you are thinking of visiting these beautiful towns, Olvera is one not to miss. The town was even declared a center of "Artistic and Historic Importance" in 1983 by the Spanish government. #city #cityoverlook #citytopics #cityvacation #citylife #village #country #urbanexplore #urbanexplor #tripinspired #tripgood #easylife #travelguide#cityoverlook#bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders

Step into a Nordic fairy tale! Check out the world's northernmost stone castle featured in Tintin's adventures🏰 ㊙️ Olvera Castle was built in 1475 and is located in the Savonlinna region, holding significant historical importance. This castle is considered the northernmost medieval castle in the world, becoming a landmark of the Savonlinna area. It has three towers and is one of the northernmost stone castles still standing. Since its completion in 1475, the castle has been one of Finland's important historical landmarks. Every July, a temporary roof is set up in the castle courtyard, turning it into the venue for the Savonlinna Opera Festival. The castle appeared in The Adventures of Tintin, serving as the prototype for King Ottokar's scepter. 🚗 Transportation Tips 📍 Address: Pl. la Iglesia, s/n, 11690 Olvera, Cádiz ⏰ Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 10:00-15:00 / Fri 11:00-15:00 / Weekends 10:00-20:30 🚌 A 15-minute taxi ride from Savonlinna city center; it’s recommended to combine with a boat tour for panoramic lake views! 📸 Must-Photograph Spots 1️⃣ East side walkway of the castle: classic angle capturing the three towers and their reflection on the lake 2️⃣ Opera Festival stage area: if you visit in July, you might catch the giant dome being set up 🚶 Recommended Route Main Gate → Knights' Hall → St. Olaf's Church → Queen's Tower → Opera House interior → Lakeside Viewing Platform

Andalusian Tour: Cádiz Region The Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, located in the center of Olvera, is a unique example in the Cádiz mountains due to its shape and size. Built on the foundation of a previous Gothic-Mudejar church, it retains the apse along with the ancient Moorish castle, making it one of the two landmarks of Olvera. The adjacent viewpoint offers a unique view of the church. This neoclassical church consists of three naves, with the central nave being the largest and overlapping with the three sections of the sanctuary. At its base, it has a massive three-part façade that rises to a fourth section, each with an octagonal shrine featuring arches and topped with simple lanterns, flanked by twin towers at the entrance. The interior of the church features barrel vaults and domes on the transept lanterns, with the use of ornate Italian marble on the altar and columns being particularly striking.

Perched on a ridge, the white houses reflect the brilliant Andalusian sunshine. Olvera, located between the Lijar and Harinas mountain ranges, is an excellent gateway to the Cadiz mountains from the north. It is nestled among wooded hills and olive groves. From a distance, two structures stand out for their height and scale: one is the ancient Arab castle, whose history is intertwined with the walls and buttresses of Olvera and was reformed during the Christian period; the other is the magnificent neoclassical Church of Encarnacion. Together, they form the classic landscape of Olvera. Other undoubtedly interesting sites include the Monastery of Canos Santos, the Sanctuary of Los Remedios, and the Casa de la Cilla building, which currently houses the Olvera 'La Frontera y los Castillos' Museum.

Best way to get to Olvera is to drive from Seville. Parking places are available at public places near the main streets.#spain #Olvera