Arcos de la Frontera (in the province of Cádiz)

The village Arcos de la Frontera in the province of Cádiz, through which the Guadalete river flows, stands out because of its pretty white houses and fertile gardens. It was declared a Historical- Artistic Centre in 1962 it is on the 'White villages route'.

The climb up to the old part of Arcos de la Frontera is spectacular. Visitors are advised to leave the car at the entrance to the town, and spend the day exploring the narrow streets and beautiful buildings on foot.

What to see in Arcos de la Frontera:

• Santa María de la Asunción church, Gothic style with a beautiful plateresque facade
• San Pedro church, whose renaissance tower rises elegantly above typcial Andalucian architecture. This church has also got the oldest altarpiece in the whole of the province of Cádiz and a collection of paintings including some by Pacheco, Zurbarán and Ribera. An interesting anecdote is that this church was in confrontation with Santa Maria Church until the 18th century over which was older. Finally A tribunal in Rome ruled in favour of San Pedro
• Santa Mariade la Asunción church: 13th century church constructed on the foundations of a Mosque built during Arab occupation of Spain.
• Other interesting churches lining the narrow streets of Arcos include La Encarnación,San Francisco and San Augustin
• Convent of the Encarnation with its beautiful entrance dating from the Middle Ages.
• Convent of the Mercedarian Nuns
• Arabic Ducal castle which was once residence to the 'Reyes de taifas'
• La Caridad Convent, colonial style
• The 'Casa de la Cuesta de Belén': another historically important building. It was built in the 14th century and has one of the oldest facades in Andalucia (in civil architecture).
  
  
  

Fiestas in Arcos de la Frontera

Easter week is very important in Arcos, especially Easter Sunday with the 'Toro del Aleluya'. In August they celebrate the 'Virgen de las Nieves' and in September the 'Cristo del Romeral' festivities take place.

Hotels in Arcos de la Frontera:

• Parador de Arcos de la Frontera: Good quality three-star hotel with lovely views and the reliability you expect from one of the Spanish parador hotels
• Hotel Los Olivos: Another good-quality 3-star hotel in the center of Arcos. Refurbished in 2002. The hotel has whitewashed walls, wrought iron railings on the windows, ochre-coloured roof tiles and a pretty central courtyard full of plant pots and decorated with chairs and coffee tables. Guests are served under palm trees. 19 bedrooms.
• Hotel El Convento: Charming 2-star hotel in a refurbished part of an old convent. Just 11 rooms. Lovely views and a very good restaurant serving traditional local dishes.