Arcos
Arcos de la Frontera - Overview:
Arcos is one of Andalucia's most dramatically positioned pueblos blancos (white villages). Just 30km from Jerez, it balances in a strategic hilltop position, on top of a rocky limestone ridge. Its whitewashed houses and stone castle walls stopping abruptly as a sheer cliff face plunges down to the fertile valley of the river Guadalete below. Arcos has been an important town for centuries and in recognition of its exceptional architecture and impressive location, Arcos was declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1962.
The old town is a tangled labyrinth of cobblestone streets that wind up to a sandstone castle, the Castillo de los Arcos. As you'd expect from such a spectacular vantage point, there are exhilarating views over the town and the rolling plain below.
Arcos has a main bustling square where you will find plenty of bars to sit at and watch life go by. There are also ample shops with local crafts and ceramics in abundance. The old town has a maze of steep streets opening into small open squares where you can soak up a truly Andalucian atmosphere. The tourist office offers a guided tour of the old town, starting in the Plaza de Cabildo. From this square you can take in wonderful views over the valley.
Among the most impressive of Arcos's pretty and often strikingly narrow streets are the alley-like Calle Cuna and Calle Maldonaldo, lined with elegant palacios built by the town's 18th-century nobility and overhung by wrought-iron rejas of windows. Tapas bars in the old town are concentrated on or near the central Callejon de las Monjas.
Arcos de la Frontera - Historical sightseeing:
Although its time under the Moors was one of its most successful, Arcos has had a long history of occupation, as shown by the discovery of numerous archaeological remains from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Tartessian, Phoenician and Roman periods. Plentiful water and its superb defensive hilltop location were the main attractions for settlers.
Arcos has a rich agricultural heritage, benefitting from a rich fertile soil, however during recent years it has also gained from the increase in rural tourism. In 1962 the town was declared to be of special national importance. Within Arcos you will see many places of historical interest, not least of all St. Mary's church, which was declared to be the major parish. Most of the church is built on the site of an old Arab castle and dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The neo-classical tower is the newest part of the building.
Saint Peter's Church dates from the 14th century and is built on the remains of an Arab fortress. The main facade is 18th century and is of Baroque design. There are three other churches worthy of a visit including the church of San Augustin, a former convent. There are also numerous ancient ruins from Roman times remaining around Arcos. Other important buildings include, the Palace of the Count of Aguilar and several mansion houses that can be visited. The castle is an Arab military fortress but now a private residence so cannot be visited.
Arcos de la Frontera - Out and about:
Down below the town is the Guadalete river lined with olive and orange groves. There is also a reservoir (embalse), the Lago de Arcos, which is good for a swim in summer. Part of the reservoir is a protected area, the Cola del Embalse de Arcos Natural Area.
Arcos de la Frontera - Fiestas:
Like many Andalucian towns, Arcos has its fair share of fiestas, these include: Easter Sunday 'The Aleluya' bullrunning, February carnival, The Crosses of May festival, 'Velada' our Lady of the Snow celebrated on 5th August and Saint Michael's Fair at the end of September.
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