26km/16mi south of Badajoz on C 436 is Olivenza (alt. 160m/525ft), a little walled town with handsome town gates. It belonged to Portugal until 1801, when it finally passed to Spain as a result of the "Orange War". Its long allegiance to Portugal is reflected in the predominance of the Manueline style (named after Manuel I of Portugal, who
reigned 1495-1521), otherwise rarely found in Spain. The Manueline style combines Moorish and Late Gothic elements with early Renaissance features, and incorporates porates a variety of decorative forms derived from the Portuguese conquests in America and Asia (exotic plants, corals, shells) and seafaring symbols like ropes and knots.