Views of Olvera

A beautiful day today, chilly though at about 10°C with blue skies and wispy clouds and an opportunity to get out and about in between the rain that we've had for the last few days and more that's forecast from tomorrow onwards.
Above, a picture taken from Avenida Manuel de Falla on the road from Olvera leading to El Gastor.

Two familiar views from Km65 on the main A-384 road that skirts Olvera.

Jimera de Libar

Sometimes, despite the weather, you just have to get out of the house and drive somewhere different.

So this morning, on a dull overcast day with temperatures at about 11°C, we headed towards Ronda on the A-374 before turning off onto the MA-505, heading for a new destination of Jimera de Libar.

The MA-505 takes you through some beautiful scenery, passing through the spectacular gorge at El Hundidero and by the villages of Montejaque and Benaoján.
After driving for just over an hour, we arrived at Jimera, nestling on the side of the valley overlooking the River Guadiaro.

The village has a population of about 400 people. The residents clearly care about where they live as it was very clean and tidy and the buildings well maintained.

Looking over the village to Cortes de la Frontera in the distance.

It wasn't too long before we arrived in the Plaza de Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Salud, roughly the centre of the village.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario overlooks the Plaza.

There has been a Church on the site since the 16th century but the present one was built in 1964. Inside was very modern with some colourful stained glass windows.

After wandering around for about an hour, we headed the short distance out of the village to Estación de Jimera de Libar and came upon the Bar Allioli and sat for a coffee and some tapas.

Paul, the owner with his partner Synnøve, were very helpful and informative about walks in the area and perhaps on a better day we may explore more.
















Warmed by delicious tapas, we walked across the road to the well kept train station.
































Some of the old signal switching gear that now forms a decorative part of the platform.

We really liked Jimera de Libar. Clearly the residents take a pride in their village and are very friendly towards visitors.

We'll pop back next year perhaps to take advantage of better weather and to stretch our legs a little with a walk along the river.

A damp morning

After overnight rain, this morning was damp and grey with temperatures at about 12°C.

I had to go to the post office so just a few pictures taken along the way.

Here looking at the Plaza de Andalucia.

Looking over the Parque de la Victoria.

Low cloud drifting in the valley between Olvera and Pruna with Pruna castle just visible through the gaps..

Sunday stroll

The weather today is certainly better than yesterday, although at 10°C it's definitely a bit chilly.

I wandered up to the top of town, trying to keep to the sunny side of the streets, taking a few pictures of the views today.

Todays view of the Sierra de Lijar contrasts with yesterday's picture on the previous post, when the rain was sweeping across.

The views from the terrace area outside of what would have been Bar Valentinos but which is now up for sale.

Looking through the railings outside the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, the magnificent Church that overlooks Olvera.

A lovely morning but very glad to return to a hot coffee and the warmth of our front room.