10 things to do in Arcos de la Frontera

Somewhere set on top of a high hill, close to the Guadalete river and surrounded by the landscapes of the Jerez countryside and the Cádiz mountain range. Arcos de la Frontera is the largest town and the starting point of the famous White Villages Route (Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos) in Cádiz. Especially if you come from the capital of Cádiz, so it has become an obligatory stop for half a day, if you visit the south of Spain.

It has a marked Muslim air as it was originated in the Middle Ages by them. It presents a beautiful urban network of narrow and steep streets, in addition to the wall and the fortress, although later the Christians increased its beauty with the construction of palaces, churches and stately homes.

1.Plaza del Cabildo (Cabildo Square)

It is the center and the starting point for any visitor to begin. The square is surrounded by three of its most important buildings: The Basilica of Santa Maria de la Asunción, the Town Hall and the Ducal Castle. It is also near the Parador de Turismo, which was formerly the Corregidor’s house. It is also close to the Balcón de la Peña Nueva, a viewpoint that is located on a cut rock almost 100 meters high, from where you can see amazing views of the Guadalete River and the Jerezana Countryside.

2.Basilica Menor de Santa Maria de la Asuncion

This basilica, like many other Christian temples, was built on the remains of an Arab Mosque. It was declared a National Monument in 1931. It was built between the 14th and 15th centuries in a Mudejar style. Since then, the basilica has undergone major reforms, so that in addition to its exterior Mudejar style, mixed with Baroque and Renaissance styles, it contains a remarkable Gothic style inside, with a Major Altarpiece from 1585. Its façade also has a Plateresque and Gothic style. the bell tower is neoclassical.

3.Castillo de los Duques de Arcos

It was the old military fortress during the Muslim era and later became the residence of the Dukes of Arcos. It is one of the essential places to visit. They built this place in the 11th century, although it underwent different renovations to turn it into a medieval castle. The castle has a quadrangular plan and four beacon towers at its corners. It still preserves a beautiful canvas of the wall from the Nasrid period.

4.Plaza de la Botica

It is a beautiful square, surround by terraces where to have a drink, presided over by the Convent of the Mercedarias Descalzas. This is the only cloister convent left in the town and it knew for its delicious homemade sweets that you cannot miss. You can also see the Olivares Veas Theater and the Unfinished Temple of the Jesuits, converted into the Mercado de Abastos.

5.Palacio del Mayorazgo

Between Boticas and Luna streets, is the palace, located where the Jewish quarter used to be. They built it in the 17th century. It has a Herrerian style façade, composed of two bodies and a large coat of arms. Inside, it has two colonnaded courtyards, several beautiful rooms and an Andalusian garden. It currently houses the Municipal Gallery and different temporary and permanent exhibitions. An almost obligatory stop.

6.Iglesia de San Pedro

One of the best examples of late Gothic religious architecture and an essential place to visit. It is from the 16th century, stands out for its wonderful and majestic baroque style tower-facade. Inside you can enjoy harmonious side chapels, an 18th century baroque choir and a 16th century main altarpiece with Gothic and Renaissance elements.

7.The route of the viewpoints

Arcos has several viewpoints so it is interesting to take a tour of them. You can start with the viewpoint of the Plaza del Cabildo. Another is the Abadés viewpoint, a small one located at the southeast end of the old town. From it you can see more widely Arcos, the Guadalete river and the land that surrounds it. Finally, we have the San Agustin viewpoint, which has a slightly more coarse name related to the height at which it is.

8.Convento de las Mercedarias Descalzas y la calle de las Monjas

Even if you are not a believer, a sweet does not make anyone bitter. It is a good place to buy the sweets created by the nuns. It has been in operation since 1642. To buy their sweets you just have to press the bell and a cloistered nun inside will tell you what to do. It is an old process, although it has been working ever since.  The Callejón de las Monjas is a beautiful and very photogenic place. It flanked by the Basilica of Santa Maria de la Asunción and the Convent of the Incarnation, as well as several noble palaces. A beautiful Gothic doorway, with its three characteristic stone arches that cross at the top.

9.La Cuesta de Belen

A recommendation that we propose is to go down the Cuesta de Belén to the Church of San Juan de Dios, from the 16th century. It is the old chapel of the Hospital de Caridad. It has a beautiful colonnaded courtyard with elegant Baroque staircases. La Cuesta de Belen also has a Baroque altarpiece with an old image of the Christ of Vera-Cruz and Our Lady of Anguish. It is near the Aljibe restaurant, where you can try Arabic food, especially the cake. If you prefer Spanish food, you can visit Taberna Jovenes Flamencos.

10.La Puerta Matrera

This part connects the old town with the Barrio Bajo. It is the only original door that remains of the walled enclosure. It was key in the defense of the city. They made up of four towers, a central cube and flanked by a pair of towers of which only the one on the lower left remains, the Tower of Betrayal. From here you can see remains of the wall, boxed in between the houses. From the outside it looks like an arch surrounded by houses. With a glazed chapel that houses a carving of the Virgen del Pilar.

Visiting Arcos de la Frontera is possible in one day, but it is best to visit it on a weekend. It because you can fully enjoy one of the most beautiful white villages in Cádiz. So that you can visit Arcos with the greatest peace of mind, let us take care of organizing your visit. Let us take care of everything for you and just enjoy this white town. Contact us.