Arcos de la Frontera Things to Do Tips by bugalugs Top 5 Page for this destination

Jardin Andalusi

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

Address: Calle Maldonado

Mayorazgo Palace

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

Address: Calle Maldonado

Directions: Next to the Chapel of Mercy

St Marys (Santa Maria de la Asuncion)

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

Address: Plaza del Cabildo

Chapel of Mercy

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.

Address: Nunez de Prado Street

$BHospital Convent of San Juan de dios

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.

Address: Paseo de Andalucia

Convent of Mecedarian Nuns

This building looked so old that to me it didnt even look occupied. But it is. It is a convent to a closed order, meaning these nuns dont come out (at very seldom under special circumstances). However before it became a convent in 1642 it was actually a prison! You can though buy cakes and biscuits made by the nuns. In the doorway there is a buzzer, the nuns take your order and it is delivered in a revolving door.

Address: Cale Escribanos

Palace of Count of Aguila

This ancestral home of the nobility was built in the 15th century. Over the door is the coat of arms.
You imagine a Palace to stand alone in its own grounds but as you can see from the second photograph it is squeezed inbetween other building in the street.

Address: Calle Cuesta de Belen

$BTown Hall (Ayuntamiento)

The patron saint of Arcos is Saint Michael the Archangel who is depicted over the doorway to the town hall. The town hall originally in Arenillas Street, moved here in 1634. Inside are works of art which can be viewed as it is open to the public.

Opening times are Monday - Friday 10am - 1.30pm
Reservations to view the Town Hall must be made at the Tourist Information office.

Address: Plaza del Cabildo

St Peters Parish Church (San Pedro)

It is this church that seems to have been a rival of St Mary's. Apparently St Marys was the 'higher' of the two even apparently allowed to ring its bells first!!!! But it seems St Peters decided to ignore St Marys hierarchy which led to discontent between the two parishes. This rivilary seemed to go on for about a hundred years! until as I said Rome stepped in in 1764. The church dates from the 14th century. The frontage is 18th century.
You can see from the second photograph just peeping out from the terrace of the Parador Hotel that the church stands perched on the edge of the cliff.
Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 1pm and 4pm - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 1.30pm
1 euro entrance fee

Address: Calle San Pedro

St Michael's Church (San Miguel)

Before the church soot here it was in the 15th century an arab fortress. Later it became St Michaels church but in 1684 rain destroyed a lot of it. This construction dates to the 18th century. It has also been used as an orphange. Now it is used as a conference centre.

Address: Calle San Miguel