Arcos de la Frontera

History and Overview

Situated between countryside and mountains, the town, which features scenery typical of both, is crossed by two rivers, the Guadalete and the Majaceite. The former supplies the Bornos and Arcos reservoirs, both of which have been declared Natural Beauty Spots as fine examples of wetlands.

Part of the town also falls within the boundary of Los Alcornocales Natural Park.

Standing atop a rock with a sheer drop down to the river, affording spectacular views of the surrounding area, the town dates back to Muslim times. Today, recognised as a Monument of Historical and Artistic Importance, it consists of two districts. Its steep, narrow, winding streets and multitude of nooks and monuments of great beauty make it a most strikingly attractive location.

At the highest point of the ridge is a Gothic church with a fine gateway, and a modern tower overlooking the town. Famed for its ten bells, dating from the wars between Spaniards and Moors in which “Arcos of the Frontier” received its name. After its capture by Alphonso the Wise of Castile (1252-1284), the town was a Christian stronghold on the borders of Moorish territory. Another church contains several Moorish banners, taken in 1483 at the battle of Zahara, a neighboring village. The ruined citadel, the theatre, and the palace of the dukes of Arcos are the only other noteworthy buildings. Roman remains have been found in the vicinity, and the ridge of Arcos is honeycombed with rock-hewn chambers, said to be ancient cave-dwellings.