Arcos de la Frontera Things to Do

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As you walk up or down from the Plaza de Carbildo, get off the main street. Some of the streets are less than 12 feet in width but still wide enough for drivers of small cars with one way traffic only.

From reading and talking to locals is that many of the streets were designed in a crooked manner so as to make it more difficult for invading armies to see residents during the countless battles that took place in Arcos. As a City Planner I think they are a great way to slow down traffic and make the area more livable.

Experience the beauty and intimacy of some of the smaller streets in Arcos. They are richly adorned and a joy to walk on. Particularly that is if you are going down hill.

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Once you get up the hill to the Plaza del Cabildo and you look down the plaza you will see the Iglesia de Santa Maria. It is the most prominent building on the square. We could not find evidence of when exactly it was constructed. The most interesting feature is its southern façade which is topped by an ornate 18th-century Baroque belfry, but the highlight is the finely carved Plateresque doorway on the west side. The church was originally constructed on the site of a mosque. The bell tower of the church which was rebuilt after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 was supposed to be taller but the townsfolk ran out of money and became ok with what they had.

Apparently the interior of the church interior is very striking but was not open for viewing when we were there due to siesta time When it is open it can be viewed for 2 euros per person normally from 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:30 to 18:30 M to F and from 10:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays.

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The Plaza del Cabildo has some of the finest views of the surrounding valley from its overlooks. It also contains some of the most prominent buildings in the City. On the right of the Plaza is the Parador which was a former palace of the Governor of the area. On the left is the Town Hall an interesting building that has been there for hundreds of years. Finally, across the plaza is the Iglesia de Santa Maria del Asuncion church. By far the church is the most striking building on the plaza.

As interesting as the buildings may be, it seems everyone comes up to the Plaza to see and take pictures of the views of the valley from the overlooks. We were no exception. Even on an overcast day the views of the surrounding area were great.

We didnt actually go in these gardens, didnt really have the time, but passed by and you could see a little bit of them. They are situated next to the Mayaorazgo Palace.
It is an andalucia water garden.
Winter opening 10-2pm 5-8pm Monday - Friday
10-2pm Saturday and Sunday
Summer 10-2pm 8-11pm Monday - Friday
10-2pm Saturday and Sunday

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This former palace is now used as government offices. It is 17th century. There is a lovely courtyard which is the oldest in Arcos, that is 15th century.
Opening times: Monday - Saturday 10-2pm and 5-8pm
Sunday 11-2pm

I think there was a bit of a dispute as to whether this church or St Peters (nearby) as to which was the 'higher' church. However Rome stepped in and in 1764 named St Marys as the 'first church' of Acros. St Marys is built on land that was once an arab mosque and dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The tower is the newest part having been built in the 18th century.
The caretaker who looks after the church also lives here in the bell tower!

Very ornate with paintings, sculptures and plasterwork for different centuries.

Entrance fee payable.
Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 1pm and 4pm - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 1.30pm

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This was originally a children's home, hospital and women's refuge and was founded in 1490.

Inside (and apparently you can go in here if the door is not locked) are carvings of one of the late Dukes of Arcos namely Don Rodrigo and his wife Dona Beatriz. Dona Beatriz also founded the Chapel of Mercy.

Originally this was the hospital of St Sebastian but in 1596 all the hospitals came under one roof and sort of amalgamated. There is apparently a statue of our lady here which is from the 13th century.

We had a peak inside which was beautiful tiled. Lots of flowers about, a spanish couple came and started talking to us and telling us about the place but as they didnt speak english and we dont speak spanish we didnt really know what they were saying.