History

The oldest settlements date from the lower Palaeolithic.
Its origins are not very clear, although some authors claim it was the ancient Vergentum or Lujii Genius cited by Pliny; others believe it was the tartessian city of Gelduba.
During the period of Al-Andalus it was called Gel-bal.
the Christian conquest was undertaken in 1247 by the Order of Santiago. Gelves was devastated by the troops of the grand master Palay. The village was very well considered due to the economic aid given it gave to the Catholic Kings for the conquest of the Kingdom of Granada and the discovery of America.
In 1527, as a result of prerogatives granted by Charles I, Gelves was sold to Jorge de Portugal, first count of Gelves and master of Villanueva del Ariscal. In the 18th century, under the jurisdiction of the duques de Veragua, the village acquired social relevance, and was also famous for its sources and landscape.
In the 20th century the title of conde de Gelves passed to the House of Alba. In 1974 they began selling the lands to the tenant farmers.
There are many literary references to the village, including those of "El Guzmán de Alfarache", "El Diablo Cojuelo" and "D. Álvaro o la fuerza del sino".
Personajes destacados
José Gómez Ortega "Gallito", torero.