arab castle

820alyssaa

The castle is worth the visit for the amazing views. You have to go to the tourist office first to buy tickets, and the man behind the desk (who speaks English) will take you to the castle doors. It's almost a maze to get through and the last ascent up to the top is a scary one, but it's worth it. Standing on top of the castle, you feel as though you time traveled into the past and you are a soldier watching for enemy troops coming through the mountains. The top of the castle is a photographer's dream, just make sure to go on a sunny day and you can see for miles. Then you have the opportunity to go to the museum, which unfortunately I didn't get a chance to get to because it closed early on a Sunday, but it comes with the castle admission fee. If you're in the area or are castle hunting in Andalucia, I definitely recommend a stop at the Arab Castle!

jdmeatyard

the castle is just marvellous, some demur, preferring their ruins to be thoroughly ruined- like in picture books. well, yes, they have certainly restored the castle with some zeal, why preserve in aspic? the castle is big enough for a good wander around, up crazy internal staircases and stairs that have people edging their way upwards backs pressed to the wall as they try to avoid the deadly drop over the wall.the views across Olvera, the view of the church are worth the very reasonable entrance fee...which includes a look into the museum too. I'd definitely make time, whilst at the castle, to have a look around the graveyard... its spectacular, the Olverano's family names... the care taken in its upkeep... the name' Escot' apparently from Scots soldier/s who settled in Olvera during the Napoleonic wars. Olvera, the castle, the church and the old quarter - La Villa - are which they are situated is wonderful.

Charmant66

2 euros to visit castle and museum! Bargain. Few tourists around and liberal access to all parts of the fort. Spiral stairs to top of castle very squeezy but worth it for the panoramic 360 degree view around Orvela. Museum is all in Spanish but very informative and comprehensive outline of Moorish occupation of Spain if that sort of thing turns you on. Also some very old relics and coins.

ColinPain

Well worth the climb to the top. Check with the tourist office first - it is nearby. Then go right to the top - be prepared for some very small and steep steps. The view is great, and there are some interesting nooks and crannies in the castle. When you get down again go to El Tapir Despistado nearby - have a celebratory drink.

865christineh

Fascinating castle in a beautiful town. Well worth a visit with beautiful views. Kids would love it but not for people who can't climb steep stairs.

AHornback

great view if you are in the area. Stop in and visit the El Tapir Despistado. Greeat little out of the way restaurant

ericeira

Probably 'over renovated' but to visit it is to see just how effective it would have been with massive views for 360 degrees.Dont miss the museum and ask for the one and only English translation account of the exhibits

Barmymarny

Beautiful castle and location. It also has a museum with lots of interesting bits and pieces in. A lot of steps but well worth it!

Smashy27

Small village on a hilltop with winding streets with bars and restaurants. The weather was sunny and we were able to lunch on the terrace. Excellent. Welcoming owners and staff.

WayneM591

It's quite a long, strenuous climb (especially when it's raining!) but it is worth every bit of effort when you reach 'the summit'. The views are absolutely stunning - in spite of the fact that it was raining when we went - but, if you want to go o the top of the 'castle' then you must bring a torch or it will be too dangerous.

morleymatt

It's free to visit and the views are stunning. It's a terrible shame as the Spanish Govt were obviously pumping alot of money into the area and much renovation work was completed, only to be stopped midway due to the recession.

BennyMalaga

The Arab Castle is located at Calle Calzada and was constructed in the highest point of the town of Olvera at the end of the 12th century. It was part of the Nazari Kingdom of Granada. The ground plan is irregular and resembles a large triangle that has been adapted to the rock on which it sits, which has a height of 623 meters above sea level. After the Christian troops of Alfonso XI conquered it in 1327, many changes have been made. There is a Homage Tower, two small turrets and a passage underground with two wells. This castle was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1985.

WolleL

Olvera es un pueblo blanco, a 110 km de Málaga y de mas o menos lo mismo de Sevilla.El castillo es muy bonito y la vista espectacular. En Olvera tambien se come muy bien.

katysg

Visitamos el castillo y nos sorprendió mucho. Las vistas son impresionantes y la verdad merece la pena recrearse en ellas. A su vez ,con la entrada está incluido también la entrada de un pequeño museo que explica la construcción y el aumento de población de Olvera desde años atrás. El chico de allí fue muy amable y nos hizo un pequeño tour y se lo agradecimos mucho porque nos lo explico estupendamente!! Visiten lo!

patologico

Es un castillo junto a la iglesia. Entrada 2 euros por persona. Castillo moro reacondicionado x los españoles ... tiene varios niveles sin mayor explicaciones, pero al llegar a la parte mas alta se pueden tomar buenas fotos de toda la zona de la sierra... vale la pena subir.