A walk to the Ermita

A short walk today to have a look at the restoration work being undertaken on the pedestrian walkway between the trading estate on the outskirts of Olvera and the Ermita de los Remedios.

The morning was quite pleasant at about 12°C with some cloud.
The 2km walkway passes under the main A-384 Antequera to Arcos road.

The Lavadero de Pino, the historic old public laundry, is also undergoing some restoration work.

What used to be a dusty track between the Lavadero and the Ermita has now been restored with a new concrete and stone surface.

The Santuario Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, dedicated to the Virgen de los Remedios, patron saint of Olvera. The original Santuario dates back to the 16th century but the current building dates from the 18th century.
The monument outside the Ermita in the image of "El Padre Cerezo", dedicated to all the benefactors, brothers, men and women, who have cared for and restored the shrine over five centuries.

Looking across at Olvera from the walkway.


As always, my faithful travel companions.



The busy Polígono industrial contains metal workshops, fruit wholesale outlets, furniture and electrical shops, vehicle sales and workshops plus many others.

Olvera Carnaval 2011 - 5th to 13th March

On a dull, damp winter day and after a night of heavy rain, a ray of sunshine appeared in the announcement by the Ayuntamiento of the dates of Carnaval 2011 and the winning design of the Carnaval poster, my favourite fiesta in the Olvera calendar.

The designer is José David Albarrán, a local artist and student at the University of Seville, pictured here with Councilwoman-Delegate of Culture for Olvera, Dolores Rodriguez.

His design is inspired by Picasso, adding additional features typical of the carnival celebrations such as the mask and the whistle.

A schedule of events for Carnaval week will be published shortly.

Brrrrr.......

.......and on a stroll out this afternoon at about 3.30pm, it seemed every bit as cold as the forecast 7°C, particularly with a chill, bitter wind blowing.

Here, looking at the Peñón de Zaframagón, catching what little sun there was.

Looking north down the Calle Subida a La Iglesia.

Taken from the front of the Church.

The Lord of the Rings Blog

A long overdue mention, with a permanent link in the "blogs we like" section below and here, is the art blog of our friend and neighbour, artist Joe Gilronan.

Joe has created this blog to display, in particular, his fantasy inspired artwork and is in addition to his "Tales of a Scorched Earth" blog, to which there is also a link below.

Take a look and enjoy his superb talent.

On top of the world.....

........well, on the top of Olvera at least. The very best place to see the stunning scenery that surrounds Olvera is from within the walls of the 12th century castle that dominates the town.

The stunning 360 degree views are best seen from the top of the main keep in the centre of the picture, accessible from the restored room pictured below.











I rather surprised myself by climbing to the top of the keep.







On my last attempt two years ago, I found the steep, narrow and winding stairway quite claustrophobic, resulting in a mild panic attack at the top. This time however, deep breath's and a strong grip on the hand rail resulted in success.


Looking down upon the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

The magnificent Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, that has recently been re-opened after a seven year restoration following a fire in 2004.

Looking down upon Calle Bellavista on the left and Calle Mercado on the right.

The weather continues to stay fine, with temperatures I would estimate at about 13°C.

Off road

Another beautiful day, I would estimate about 14°C. Looking out over the terrace this morning at the track below that passes over the main A-384 road that skirts Olvera, I felt the need to re-aquaint myself with where it went to.

The track starts at the bottom of Calle Vieja, snakes into the distance and is named on the map as Vereda Pileta. I did recall on a previous excursion that it offered stunning views of Olvera, as in the pictures below.

Generally, the track is in good condition. A few potholes, steep in places but quite easy to drive upon and so very quiet out in the countryside.

A tethered mule enjoying the sunshine.

The almond blossom is just coming into bloom.





These wild flowers, that looking on the internet I believe to be Algerian Iris (though I stand to be corrected by greater knowledge than mine) were absolutely beautiful.

The track eventually came to an end at the Olvera to El Gastor road, near to a rest area by the river.

Driving back to Olvera, I stopped at puerto de Cabañas to admire the scenery behind me before turning off onto another track.

After a short drive of about 500 metres I pulled over to take more pictures.


Here looking to the village of Torre Alháquime, about six kilometres distant. Is that another unexplored track I see above it ??.
"And where do you think you've been while I've been slaving in the house !!". My lovely wife Anne waiting for the intrepid explorer to return home.

I couldn't make up my mind which panoramic pictures to leave out of this post so here's just a couple more of the lovely place in which we are so lucky to live.