Attractions and places to see around Oliva de Mérida include historical landmarks, cultural sites, and notable natural features within the province of Badajoz, Spain. The region offers a blend of historical significance, such as its 14th-century structures and ancient cemeteries, alongside natural beauty, including large reservoirs and mountain ranges. Visitors can explore a diverse landscape that provides insights into the area's past and present.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
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Highlight • Historical Site
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It's a charming place to visit, with various activities and attractions. Guadiana Route: You can enjoy nature by following the Guadiana River route, which passes near La Zarza. It's ideal for hiking and birdwatching. La Zarza has several historical and cultural sites, such as the parish church of San Martín.
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The Alange Reservoir is an impressive engineering work located in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura, near the town of Alange and about 20 km from Mérida. The concrete dam was inaugurated in 1992 and is located on the Matachel River, close to its mouth in the Guadiana River.
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The Alange Castle, also known as the Culebra Castle, is a medieval fortress located in the municipality of Alange. It is located on the Cerro de la Culebra, 485 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the region. Built in the 9th century by the Moors on an old Roman fortress. It was conquered by the Christians in the 13th century and used until the 16th century. The castle is a fascinating place to explore history and enjoy nature.
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The Cave Paintings of La Calderita are located in the Sierra de La Calderita, in La Zarza (Badajoz). They are a set of prehistoric rock art believed to date from the late Neolithic to the end of the Chalcolithic or even the Late Bronze Age, meaning they could be between 4000 and 1000 BC. These paintings were discovered in 1916 by archaeologist and prehistorian French Henri Breuil, with the help of guide Tomás Pareja.
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Fantastic views of the Alange Dam.
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There are only remains of the castle left, but the view up here is fantastic.
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La Zarza is a town located on the plain of the Guadiana River, in a geographical area where farming areas predominate with the Juan Bueno mountain range and Peñas Blancas in the background.
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It is a castle that the surrounding landscapes give a good panorama between forests and agricultural fields that look towards Sierra de la Trancha. Also called Casa del Conde, it is a castle that rises on one of the southern slopes of the Sierra de la Utrera.
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Oliva de Mérida is rich in history. You can visit the remains of the 14th-century Casa de la Encomienda, the 16th-century Iglesia Parroquial de la Purísima Concepción, and the charming Ermita de Santa Bárbara. Further afield, don't miss Alange Castle, a strategic 9th-century fortress offering panoramic views.
Yes, you can discover the fascinating Rock Paintings of La Calderita, believed to date from between 4000 and 1000 BC. The Old Cemetery on the Cerro del Morro also offers a glimpse into the town's past and primitive parish.
For breathtaking vistas, head to Views of the Alange Reservoir, an impressive engineering work with spectacular views from the Cerro de la Culebra. The Sierra del Espíritu Santo is another natural highlight, home to a suspected Muslim fortification and unexplored caves like La Charneca.
The area around Oliva de Mérida is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, mountain biking, and running. For example, explore the Ruta de Peñas Blancas, an 18-kilometer hiking trail, or try one of the MTB trails or hiking routes available in the region.
Absolutely. There are several hiking trails catering to different difficulty levels. You can explore the Cueva de la Charneca in the Sierra de la Garza, which offers beautiful views despite challenging access. For more options, check out the hiking guide for Oliva de Mérida, which includes routes like the 'Culebra Castle Trail' and loops around the Alange Reservoir.
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the region's natural features and outdoor trails suggest that spring and autumn would be ideal for visiting. The weather is typically milder, making it more comfortable for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring historical sites without the intense heat of summer.
The town of La Zarza is considered family-friendly, offering a charming place to visit with various activities. Its proximity to the Guadiana River also provides opportunities for nature walks and birdwatching suitable for families.
Visitors particularly enjoy the panoramic views from historical sites like Alange Castle and the impressive vistas of the Alange Reservoir. The historical significance of sites like the Rock Paintings of La Calderita and the unique landscape of the Minas de la Zarza also receive high praise.
Yes, El Rollo, an ancient granite pillar near the Church of Purísima Concepción, serves as both a fountain and an interesting ethnographic testimony. Additionally, the Casa Palacio de los Condes de la Oliva, with its medieval-style architecture, offers a unique historical perspective.
The Embalse de Alange (Alange Reservoir) is one of the largest in the province and a significant natural feature, part of a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). You can also see the Presa de la Garza, a dam constructed in 1990 on the San Juan River, surrounded by diverse landscapes.
The trails around Oliva de Mérida often feature varied terrain, including earthy paths around areas like the Minas de la Zarza, and more challenging, off-path trekking through dense vegetation in areas like the Sierra de la Garza leading to the Cueva de la Charneca. Expect some elevation changes, especially around the castles and viewpoints.


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