The origin of Olvera is shrouded in mystery. Some believe that it is the HIPPA or HIPPO NOVA mentioned by Pliny in his 'Histories' , or as the Roman mansion ILIPULA MINOR mentioned in the itinerary from Cadiz to Cordoba.

Olvera appears in ther Muslim chronicles as an outpost in the mountains (WUBIRA Or URIWILA)

As part of the Christian conquest plans in Seville, Olvera formed part of the advance strategy towards the Straits of Gibraltar to prevent the entrance of Muslims. In one first expedition the Christians lost the banner of Seville that flew in the castle.

Olvera was occupied for the first time in 1327 by the troops of king Alfonso XI.

After the negotiations that followed the surrender, Ibrahim-ibn-Utma¡n secured concessions in respected of the Moors of Olvera that each one of the inhabitants could keep their houses and goods.

Occupying the town, the Christians organised their establishment, which was carried out by means of the 'Letter of Population' granted on the 1 of August of that same year (1327). The Letter of Population even removed some of the debts and threats of prison.

In the middle of the 14th century and after continuous Muslim attacks, the town passed to Don Alfonso Perez de Guzman. In 1395 Perez de Guzman arranged the marriage of his daughter with the son of the Zunigaga.

Later Olvera was sold to the Tellez Giron ahead of the Dukes of Osuna, who were the leaders of the town until the 19th century.

From 1484, the Olverenos showed examples of their initiative. One example was was Nicholas de Ribera, 'the old one', who was born in Olvera in 1487. He took part in the conquest of Peru, and in 1535 was named the first mayor of Lima.

Olvera begin the 10th century with the problems derived from the French occupation of the Peninsula. Olvera was host to a detachment of the Napoleonic troops, who were constantly harassed by the activities of guerrillas from the town and its environs until French retreated in 1812. During the century, some of the great advances and episodes of great importance in the history of Spain were echoed in Olvera, like the revolution of September of 1868, commonly known as 'The Glorious One'. After the brief period of the Republic, the return of the Monarchy meant that the town was made a city, a title granted by Alfonso XII by Real Decree on 8th of May, 1877

The years of the Dictatorship of Primo de Rivero provided opportuinities for the Olverenos, who benefited from the building of the Jerez-Almargen railroad which terminated within the municipality. The project was never finished.

At the present time, having survived the difficulties of the first decades of the 20th century, Olvera continues to be dedicated to agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry, activities that are more and more complemented by the tourist activities of the city and its environs, as well as with the cooperatives.