Arcos de la Frontera
There are a line of white washed villages spread throughout Andalucia, Arcos de la Frontera being the last, set inland on the Atlantic side of Southern Spain. The old town, with its labyrinth of cobbled streets could not be more dramatically sited; it stands on a high ridge with sheer precipices dropping away on both sides, with spectacular views over Arcos lake and Guadalete valley. Arcos is 30km east of Jerez along the A 382 across pretty wheat and sunflower fields, vineyards and fruit orchards. Arcos de la Frontera has a population of about 30,000 inhabitants and is well worth visiting to explore its old town, whose street plan has changed little since medieval times. There are a number of lovely post Reconquista buildings, including Renaissance palaces and two beautiful churches.
Discover traditional restaurants offering both local and European cuisine. Visit the bustling indoor food market or just sit and relax on one of the many terraces and watch the world go by.
History of Arcos de la Frontera
Occupying a key strategic position, Arcos has been the site of numerous settlements. The Roman occupation gave rise to the name ArxArcis, meaning fortress on high; then the Moslem invasion stamped an indelible mark on the town and the name changed to Medina Arkos.
It was in this period that Arcos prospered and grew, becoming a small kingdom, "The Kingsom of the Taifas" ruled by the Berber king, Ben Jarzrum. On 29 September 1255 and again in October 1264 King Alfonso X, "The Wise" conquered the town for the house of Castille. Initially the town was granted to the infante D. Enrique; however, because of its strategic position on the line of fighting between the two kingdoms (hence the name "de la Frontera") Arcos was returned to royal hands.
Arcos de la Frontera Special Events and Activities
The thing to do in Arcos is simply wander around the old town with its narrow cobbled lanes, Renaissance mansions, whitewashed houses and spectacular vistas. Plaza del Cabildo is surrounded by fine old buildings and has a vertiginous mirador with panoramic views over the river and countryside. Easter processions throught the town's narrow streets are dramatic, and on Easter Sunday there's a hair-raising running of the bulls. The three day Fiesta de la Virgen de las Nieves in early August includes a top-class flamenco night in Plaza del Cabildo, usually on the 5th. Arcos celebrates its patron saint San Miguel with a four day feria at the end of September.
Arcos Jueves Flamencos are a series of weekly nights on Thursdays throughout July and August, at the small but atmospheric Plaza del Cananeo in the old town. From mid June to late August, free concerts of pop, salsa, rock etc happen on Friday nights at the Carpas de Verano, an open air entertainment area on Avenida Duque de Arcos.
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