Santa Olalla del Cala

Village situated in the northeast of the province in the foothills of the Sierra Morena , on the borders of the provinces of Seville and Badajoz, within the Sierra de Aracena y los Picos de Aroche Natural Park, one of the most important protected spaces of the Community, which occupies the whole of the north of the province with its meadows and small rises in the ground, covered predominantly in holm oak woods, cork oaks, chestnut trees and scrub through which numerous streams flow forming an extraordinarily beautiful and attractive landscape.

From the castle remains there is a splendid panoramic view of the village and its surroundings. Within the village itself, the Church of Asunción and the huge bullring stand out.

History

In Roman times it was called Ponciana. Later on it adopted the name of its Patron Saint, Santa Eulalia of Merida. According to tradition, Santa Eulalia was born in this village in the III century. Later she was taken to Merida where she was burnt alive.

At this time it was also a village of some importance on the road from Italica to Emerita Augusta, on the silver route.

During the war of Independence it was the General Headquarters for the Infantry. There are still some remains of the batteries.

Eminent citizens
Jorge Mejia, altarpiece artist and sculptor.
Daniel Florido, poet.