Area information

Stunning Surroundings

Arcos Gardens is surrounded by a vast array of traditions, cultures and experiences. Arcos de la Frontera leads the way to the historic route of White Villages where Ubrique, Ronda and Grazalema will reveal their past. Browse through traditional boutiques in Seville, Cadiz and Granada or venture in to the wineries and underground cellars of Jerez where you will taste some of the finest Sherries and wines of the World. Admire the wildlife by sailing or fishing on the tranquil lakes or journey into the countryside by foot, mountain bike, horseback or in a hot air balloon.

Occupying a key strategic position, Arcos has been the site of numerous settlements. The Romans, gave rise to the name "Arx-Arcis" (fortress on high); the Muslims, influenced the architecture in Arcos, and finally the Christians, who later formed part of the Castilla kingdom. Currently Arcos is one of the most important towns in the province of Cádiz, with a rising economic development. Its population is 30,000 people. There are many legends within Arcos, due to its varied history and culture, and most of them are based on the castle and the cliff of Arcos. Below we have selected a few of those legends that we think are among the most interesting.

Legends of Arcos

Many say there is a sleeping dragon inside the cliff of Arcos and that when it wakes up the cliff shakes.

It is said that there are secret passageways underneath Arcos, although this has not been proved as the owners of the castle have never let anyone fully investigate these claims. This rumour comes from a story dating back to the time when the Christians conquered the Muslim Arcos. It was said that the Christians were trying to find a way up into the castle and the Muslim queen was trying to escape. One night the Muslim queen went for a walk down her secret passageways carrying her baby and the Christians heard the baby crying and so managed to find the secret way into the castle.

Another story concerns two of the towers in the Arcos castle. The duke who lived in the castle had a daughter who was in love with a boy from a lower class family. The duke of Arcos could not accept this liaison, so he locked his daughter up in one of the towers and took the boy to another to be killed in an attempt to thwart the relationship. That day it was rumoured that two doves were seen flying out of each tower and when guards went into the tower to release the Duke's daughter she wasn't there, nor was the boy! Many people within Arcos say that, to this day, you can still see the two doves flying around the castle.

Curiosities

Levante: Occurring three or four times a year a warm wind which originates from the east. It can increase its temperature during a "calm levante", (levante en calma). It is said that it always lasts for a number of odd days (E.g. for 3 days, for 5 days Poniente: A cold wind that comes from the west.