After a summer full of frenetic racing, exciting tests and unforgettable moments of fun, the “Grand Prix” ended this Friday on Spanish television with a vibrant confrontation between the town of Binissalem, in Mallorca, and the town of Olvera, CadizThe last gala of the program, presented by Ramón García, offered a farewell full of adrenaline and competitivenesscompetitors doing their best in a series of tests that kept viewers glued to the couch. From the first tests to the decisive final round, both teams displayed great skill and determination, creating palpable tension until the last minute.
The duel ended in final dictionary testwhere luck and knowledge played a crucial role. Despite tight competition and lead swaps throughout the night, it was Olvera who ultimately emerged victorious. This exciting result not only successfully closed the second edition of the Grand Prix on TVE, but also gave Olvera the 2024 champion title, distinguishing itself as the second consecutive Andalusian city to win the competition.
Olvera, winning city of the “Grand Prix 2024”
@cactusviajero 📍OLVERA, Cadiz. One of the most characteristic villages in the Sierra de Cadiz. Perched on a hill, the whiteness of its houses shines with splendor reflecting the Andalusian sun. Between the Sierras del Líjar and Las Harinas, Olvera is an excellent gateway to the Sierra de Cadiz, to the north. Wooded hills and olive groves surround the town. #olvera #olvera😍❤️teniaqueser #cadiz #pueblosblancoscadiz #pueblosblancoscadiz #pueblosdecadiz #pueblosbonitosdeandalucia #pueblosbonitosdeespaña #pueblosdeespaña #CapCut #travel #viajando #lugaresturisticos #turismorural ♬ Love – Demarco Flamenco
Olvera, with a history that goes back to uncertain times, shows evidence of occupation since Neolithic and Celtic times. In recent excavations, remains have been discovered that suggest a presence in the region since prehistorywith indications of Turdetan settlements and possible locations such as Caricus. In Roman times, important remains have been discovered in the Sierra de Lijar, indicating a settlement perhaps known as Ilipa or Hippo Nova. Muslim influence was consolidated in the 8th century, with Olvera playing a strategic role on the border between the Christian kingdoms and that of Granada.
The Christian reconquest, led by Alphonse XI In 1327, it marked an important milestone in the history of Olvera, which was repopulated thanks to a “Charter of Puebla” and became part of the Kingdom of Castile. Over the centuries, the town passed through the hands of several noble families, including the Pérez de Guzmán and the Stúñiga, before being acquired by the Téllez Girón in 1460. In the 19th century, Olvera faced French invasions and suffered significant damage. Currently, the town is one of the most visited in the province of Cádiz.
Places of interest
Olvera, the Enchantress City Wins the “Grand Prix”stands out for its labyrinthine historic center and its impressive castle, built at the end of the 12th century by the Nasrids. This castle, an emblematic symbol of the city, was an important defensive stronghold and, although much of the current structure dates from after the Christian conquest in 1327The keep remains its strong point. From this fortress, located at an altitude of more than 600 meters, you can admire panoramic views that cover the provinces of Cadiz, Malaga and Seville on a clear day.
Near the castle, in the Plaza de la Iglesia, is the Archpriestly Church of Our Lady of the Incarnationbuilt by the Dukes of Osuna in the 18th century. Although it lost much of its artistic heritage during the Civil War, it remains an important architectural monument. The Villa neighborhood, an old Muslim center, offers a tour of its white and winding streets, with the Torre del Pan as one of its most representative buildings.
In the lower part of the city, the Andalusia Squarebuilt on a rock, offers excellent views of the castle and the main church. From here, the Arco de Zorrilla leads to one of the most picturesque areas of Olvera. Furthermore, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedieslocated a few kilometers from the center, is famous for the Quasimodo Monday pilgrimage, a festival that celebrates the end of a serious drought in 1715.
For nature lovers, Olvera offers the Sierra Greenway, which connects the Rock of Zaframagónwhich is home to a large colony of griffon vultures. It is also worth exploring the hiking routes that lead to the Pruna Castle and the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, offering an immersion in the natural and agricultural environment of the area.
In short, Olvera and its surroundings combine history, architecture and nature, offering a unique cultural and natural experience on the Route of the White Villages.
