Arcos de la Frontera is formed in the shape of an amphitheatre around a precipitous cliff that gazes out over the river basin of, and surrounded by on four sides by, the river Guadalete. In the flats of the river basin, the river forms a small lake surrounded by green pine trees.

Historically the presence of man can be traced back to Prehistoric times although the most important discoveries are those that date from roman and Visigoth times. From this last civilization we owe the beginnings of the primitive church of Santa Maria

After the fall of the Visigoths the first to populate the city were a Syrian sect called the Chunds and, in a very short time, the population grew to such an extent as to convert itself into one of the most important Taifas, or independent states, ruled by the Ban Jazrum family, themselves of berber origin. At the end of the XII century, power passed to the Almohades.

Alfonso X reconquered the city in the name of Christianity in the year 1255 and this marked the beginning of new period whereby Arcos passed from private hands to the Crown and back again until, in the year 1408, the city was placed in the care of Ruy López de Ávalos, private secretary to the king.

The town of Arcos is divided in two regions, or barrios; on the one hand there’s the old Arabic town which is generally contained within the city walls; of which little remains today. Three entry gates are still visible, those of Jerez, Carmona and Matrera. On the other hand is the area of the city located outside the city walls and which generally dates to around the middle of the XIX century and where most of the large houses are found.

The temple of Santa María was founded during the time of the Visigoths and was constructed overa n existing mosque after the conquest of the town by Alfonso X, known as ‘The Wise’. The monumental plateresque portal is crowned by a magnificent bell tower.

What not to miss

The Plaza del Cabildo: This is the main square of Arcos de la Frontera and the historic centre of the city. The imposing church of Santa Maria de la Ascunción is found here. On one side of the square is the castle of the Dukes of Arcos and on the other is the Ayuntamiento or town hall. Opposite the church is the Casa del Corregidor which is today a magnificent luxury hotel. Also here is the unmissable balcony de la Peña that looks out over the wide plains of Cádiz far below.

Basílica de Santa Maria de Asunción: This is the largest temple of Arcos de la Frontera. The interior of this church is filled with artistic treasures that span the whole of the history of Spain.

The church of San Pedro: This baroque church contains the unforgettable chapel of the Watch and the retablo of Our Lady of Lonliness that was carved by Juan Terreño in 1692.