Olivenza Facts for Kids

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

Olivença (also called Olivenza in Spanish) is a piece of land that Portugal and Spain both claim. It's like a puzzle piece that two countries want to own. This territory is about 750 square kilometers in size.

Olivença was part of Portugal for a long time, from 1297 until 1801. Then, Spain took control of it. After some big wars called the Napoleonic Wars, Spain said it would give Olivença back to Portugal. But Spain never did, and the situation remains the same today.

Portugal still does not agree that Spain should rule Olivença. Because of this, the exact border between Portugal and Spain in this area has never been officially drawn.

Town and Villages
History of the Dispute
Images for kids
See also

Town and Villages

The main town in this area is Olivença itself. But there are also seven smaller villages that are part of the territory. These villages are:

S. Francisco
S. Rafael
Vila Real (also called Villareal)
S. Domingos de Gusmão (also called Santo Domingo de Guzmán)
S. Bento da Contenda (also called San Benito de la Contienda)
S. Jorge de Alor
Táliga

History of the Dispute

Early History

Olivença became part of Portugal in 1297. This happened because of an agreement called the Treaty of Alcañices. For over 500 years, Olivença was a Portuguese territory. It was a peaceful time for the region.

Spanish Control

In 1801, things changed. Spain took control of Olivença. This happened during a time of many conflicts in Europe. After the Napoleonic Wars ended, many countries signed a new agreement. This was the Congress of Vienna in 1815. In this agreement, Spain promised to return Olivença to Portugal. However, Spain has not done this.

Modern Day Situation

Today, Portugal still believes Olivença should be part of its country. Spain, however, continues to govern the territory. This means that the border between the two countries in this specific area is not officially agreed upon. Both countries have different views on who should own Olivença.

Images for kids

View of the Castle of Olivenza from the South around 1509. This drawing was made by Duarte de Armas.
Another part of an 18th-century Spanish map, showing Olivenza as part of Portugal.
These are the ruins of the 16th-century Ponte da Ajuda bridge. It crosses the Guadiana River. This bridge was on an old road between Elvas and Olivenza.
The inside of the Church of Santa María Magdalena. It was built in a special style called Manueline late-gothic.
The door of Olivenza's city hall. It also shows the beautiful Manueline style.

Olivenza facts for kids

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