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Olivares

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Olivares, a baroque gem in the Aljarafe

Strolling through Olivares is akin to stepping into Spain’s Golden Age. Come to Olivares in the Aljarafe and discover one of the best-preserved historic-artistic sites in Andalusia. The town is shaped by its baroque past and boasts a rich architectural heritage from the Golden Age. 

Learn about the town’s past by following the Ruta del Conde Duque de Olivares, a favourite of King Felipe IV’s, who promoted this town throughout the Spanish Empire. However, to throw yourself into the local history, come to the traditional Baroque Market in May. The town also holds the Certamen de Música Antigua in October to celebrate the 17th century. 

Olivares is not only home to many works of art and great traditions, but also the Guadiamar Green Corridor that provides its beautiful natural surroundings. Enjoy the countryside and do not miss the archaeological site that was once part of the Ibero-Roman city of Laelia. 

Come to Olivares and discover what more it has to offer. This gem in Aljarafe awaits you.


Getting to Olivares

If you travel by car from Seville, take the A-66 Ruta de la Plata motorway to exit 805. Then enter the N-630 until you see the SE-526 junction. You will reach Olivares soon after. 

The town does not have a train station. However, you can take the M-175 bus run by Seville’s Transport Consortium from Plaza de Armas station. 


Getting around

Take a stroll through the streets and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. Be sure to bring your bike to cycle along the Guadiamar Green Corridor.


Reasons to visit

  • The town centre, declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1971, is home to the town square, the church and the El Conde Duque de Olivares Palace. Take the dramatised tour offered by the Tourist Office to learn about the town’s history.
  • Follow the Laelia Archaeological Route, where you will discover the remains of this Ibero-Roman city and the Italica aqueduct.
  • If you wish to find out how people dressed in the 17th century, visit the local Town Hall to see the Exhibition of Baroque Garments.
  • Relive the past in May at the famous Baroque Market; the only one of its kind in the Aljarafe region. 
  • Are you a thrill-seeker? Dare to ride a hot air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of Olivares. 
  • Try cucharo, a typical local dish made with bread, olive oil, vinegar, egg, tuna and onion. You will love it! 
  • Explore the spectacular surroundings of the Guadiamar Green Corridor. You can follow the route on foot or horse, or by bike.
  • Celebrate the unique Verdeo Pilgrimage held in September. During this secular event, the town holds a procession in which they carry an olive tree through the streets to celebrate the beginning of the olive harvest. 
  • Come and have your bread blessed on Saint Blaise Day in February. This tradition will protect you from colds all year round. 
  • Experience the best of baroque music at the Certamen de Música Antigua held every October.
  • Bring your bike for Andalusia Day. Locals celebrate the granting of Andalusia’s regional autonomy cycling around the town and the countryside; a tradition of over 30 years. 
  • Are you a flamenco enthusiast? Do not miss the Certamen de Canción Española ‘Olivo de Plata’ in May and the ‘Rafael Rodríguez Herrera’ Flamenco Festival in July.


What to see 

Start your visit to Olivares at the Plaza de España, the town centre declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1971. The Ruta del Conde Duque de Olivares begins here. The route is signposted with the cross of the Order of Alcántara, so no one gets lost. 

The route takes in emblematic monuments such as the 17th-century Santa María de Las Nieves Collegiate Church, home to great baroque artworks. You can also see the El Conde Duque de Olivares Palace. This Duke was a favourite of King Felipe IV and became a prominent figure during the king’s reign. 

Next to the palace is the Town Hall, which houses an Exhibition of Baroque Garments. Another historic building in the Plaza de España is the Pósito, a granary to hold wheat. Nearby is the Vera Cruz Chapel and the Museum of the Confraternity of La Soledad. 

Continue through the beautiful streets until you reach the Plaza de la Ermita. The El Rocío Chapel has a sculpture identical to the one in Almonte. Given the town’s proximity to Huelva, the people of Olivares are very devoted to this Virgin Mary. So much so that, they not only make the pilgrimage every year in May but also have their own sculpture of the Virgen del Rocío since 1950. This temple, inaugurated in 1955, was built with funds raised by the parishioners.

Now head to Cerro de la Cabeza to see the archaeological site of the Ibero-Roman city of Laelia. Nearby are also the remains of the Italica aqueduct. 

Last but not least, follow a route through the town’s natural surroundings. Enjoy the landscape of the Guadiamar Green Corridor and visit the San Antonio Tower and its environs where the Verdeo Pilgrimage takes place. Explore also the El Caos Spring and Fountain and La Coriana drinking water Fountain. Choose from a variety of routes to see fascinating places. 


Places to visit

  1. La Coriana drinking trough
  2. La Santísima Hermandad de la Vera Cruz Chapel
  3. Santa María de Las Nieves Collegiate Church and Tower
  4. El Rocío de Olivares Chapel
  5. El Conde Duque de Olivares Palace
  6. San Antonio Tower
  7. Olivares Municipal Theatre
  8. Plaza de España
  9. El Caos Spring and Fountain
  10. Pósito
  11. Exhibition of Baroque Garments at the Town Hall
  12. Confraternity of La Soledad Museum


Surroundings

Olivares is 17 kilometres from Seville in the Alfarafe region. The town’s surroundings are part of the Guadiamar Green Corridor protected landscape area. The municipal district is covered with olive groves and vineyards. 

Comarca
Aljarafe
Extension
45.00 Km²
Altitude
167.00 m
No. of inhabitants
9.390
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