Another fine church can be found in the heart of the town. The Church of Sant Roc was built on the site of a former Mosque. When the parish of Sant Roc was built in 1535, the Mosque was converted into a Christian church with a new style of architecture. Although lots of changes were made over the following centuries, structural problems meant that a new church had to be built in 1886. The bell tower was raised another 5 metres in 1958.

See video of the Church of Sant Roc here

Whilst in the area of Sant Roc, you can explore the very narrow and steep streets of the Muslim area. The only way to see Oliva is by foot. Many of the roads are inaccessible to vehicles. The Moorish part of town is called El Raval Morisc. The tourist office have provided several signposted walks, taking in the most important monuments.

From much of the town of oliva you can see the Castle of Santa Anna that sits high on a hill.

Oliva is a modern town with lots of facilities but it has managed to retain its rich history. Tourism is one of the major industries here and many foreigners have made Oliva their permanent home.

The beaches of Oliva

The coastal part of Oliva, called Oliva Playa (3km from the town) offers beautiful beaches with many facilities. Much of the beach area has been preserved and has escaped mass tourism.

Pictured right is the Platja Aigua Blanca with its golden sand and lovely winter walks.

Museums in Oliva

Museo Casa Maians

C/Major 10

Museo Etnologic

C/Tamarit, 2-4

Museo Arqueologic

C/Les Moreres, 38

The San Antonio fiesta also includes lots of activities but one of the nicest is when the Arroz Caldoso (boiled rice) is served. A line of cauldrons called the Boilers of San Antonio are used to cook a delicious stew (caldera) that is given to all the residents free of charge. It's a tradition dating back centuries when food was given to the poor during cold winters.

See San Antonio videos here:

Part 1 - The market and feeding the town

Part 2 - The blessing of the animals

Other fiestas include:

Carnestoles (February) - with processions, games and parties

Les Falles (March) - when huge cardboard and wooden statues are burned. The 'ninots' are usually cariacatures of politicians and well known people.

La Semana Santa (Easter week) (April) - is celebrated in style in Oliva when all the residents gather on the hill of Santa Anna Castle and hold a mass. In the evening there is an Easter play followed by a procession.

Festes del Crist (May) - A fiesta dedicated to Crist de Sant Roc that has been held here since the 17th century. The streets are adorned with crosses made of flowers and there is a Christian and Moors re-enactment. The fiesta finishes with a solemn mass.

La Fira (June) - A carnival and fair week with lots going on.

Moros i Cristians (21-24 July 2011) - This is celebrated all over Spain and Oliva is proud to fold their annual fiesta. This fiesta lasts four days and finishes with a huge parade of Moors and Christians, battles and displays.

La Verge del Rebollet (1-8 September) - This is one of the most important fiestas for Oliva as she is the patron saint. There is a mass and a popular pilgrimage to the castle followed by a feast at the castle.