
Olivenza, Spain

Olivenza is a city located in an area of interest to two countries - Portugal and Spain. Each of them considers the city as its territory, but in reality Olivenza is a Spanish land, part of the Autonomous Region of Extremadura. Olivenza was a Portuguese possession between 1297 and 1801, when it was ceded to Spain under the Treaty of Badajoz. Its strategic position and the Christian Reconquista have left a lasting mark on Olivenza - today the city is dotted with fortresses.
Nestled in a sea of olive groves, the fortified city of Olivenza is located on the left bank of the Guadiana River. Six centuries of Portuguese rule give the city a dual character. There are still traces of Portuguese culture and language, although younger generations speak Spanish.
Today in Olivenza you can see the preserved massive 30-meter tower, built by Joao II of Portugal in the XV century, and the church of Santa Maria Magdalena is the only example of late Portuguese Gothic in Spain. Beautiful spiral columns and the family tree of the Virgin Mary crowning the altar are among the remarkable elements of the church.
Among the preserved remains are the ruins of the 380-meter Ahuda Bridge over the Olivens River, built by Manuel I of Portugal, which still tells of the battles fought on it to gain power over the area.