Olivenza

Olivença (Spanish: Olivenza) is a territory disputed by Portugal and Spain. The territory was under Portuguese rule between 1297 (Treaty of Alcañices) and 1801. Then, it was occupied and ruled by Spain. After the Napoleonic Wars, Spain promised to give Olivença back to Portugal. It still has not done this to this day.

Portugal does not recognize the Spanish rule of the Olivença/Olivenza territory. Therefore, the border between Portugal and Spain in the Olivença/Olivenza region has never been defined.

Olivença/Olivenza territory is 750 Km2 in area.

Besides the town, the territory of Olivença/Olivenza includes seven villages:

• S. Francisco,
• S. Rafael,
• Vila Real / Villareal,
• S. Domingos de Gusmão / Santo Domingo de Guzmán,
• S. Bento da Contenda / San Benito de la Contienda,
• S. Jorge de Alor and
• Táliga.

Olivenza Media

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  View of the Castle of Olivenza from the South circa 1509, as drawn by Duarte D'Armas.

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  Part of an 18th-century Spanish map, showing Olivenza as part of Portugal

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  Ruins of 16th-century Ponte da Ajuda over the Guadiana, in the ancient road between Elvas and Olivenza

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  Church interior, built in Manueline late-gothic style.

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  Door of the Olivenza's city hall, also Manueline