Villaviciosa - Santa María de la Oliva

In the time of Alfonso IX , the settlement began to be formed thanks to the repopulation policy. In 1270, Alfonso X of Castile founded the current town by granting a town charter. From the 14th century onwards the town was named Villaviciosa meaning "fertile town."


The church is erected in the late Romanesque style with some Gothic elements. The granting of the charter by Alfonso X meant a very substantial growth of the town that led to the construction of this church. The church had of course several modifications over the years.

The main façade stands out from the outside, consisting of a pointed arch with four archivolts. Its keystone is decorated with an image of the Virgin Mary surrounded by Gothic-style tracery . Above it there is a small rose window that completes the doorway.