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Arcos de la Frontera

The House

Activities and Fiestas

Surrounding area

Getting there

Rates and availability

Arcos de la Frontera

Perched on top of a rocky limestone ridge, Arcos de la Frontera is one of the most striking villages in Spain.  Its whitewashed houses and stone churches wind upwards into the old town, stopping abruptly as the sheer cliff face dramatically plunges down to the valley of the river Guadalete below.

Situated in the South-Western province of Cadiz—the heart of Spain’s sherry region—Arcos was declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1962 in recognition of its exceptional architecture and impressive location.  The old town is a tangled labyrinth of cobbled streets and alleys that lead up to the churches of Santa Maria de la Asuncion and San Pedro.  From the square at the top, there are spectacular views of the Andalusian countryside.

The mixture of architectural influences reflects a varied history.  Dating from Roman times, Arcos came to prominence as a Moorish town within the Córdoban Caliphate.  When Córdoba’s rule collapsed in the eleventh century, Arcos existed as a taifa state until its annexation by al-Mu’tamid of Sevilla in 1103.  The seizure of Arcos by Christian forces in 1264 gave rise to the name of the town—de la Frontera— which it shares with the other white villages (pueblos blancos) in the region.

Today these influences blend harmoniously providing an anthological history of Andalusia for the wanderer to experience.

Arcos has some of the most spectacular fiestas running throughout the year—a traditional Spanish experience:  flamenco, sherry, tapas and long warm evenings.  There is also a nearby golf course, and lake where you can sail.

The village sits in the heart of a national park in the Andalusian countryside, and in the surrounding area there is much to explore.

Arcos de la Frontera offers tranquillity, history, architecture, stunning views, and a rich example of Spanish culture.

 

Take a stroll around the old town—where the house is located—through the maze of narrow streets, lined with a mix of Gothic-Mudejar, Jewish and Renaissance architecture.  Patios and courtyards hide inside every doorway, and echoes of  the Moorish presence here recall ancient times.

Contact

For further information and details of rates and availability, contact:

mark_nandi@hotmail.com