Arcos

Arcos History

There are traces of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements in and about Arcos, but the Iberians then Romans were the first to leave lasting signs of what was known as Arx-Arcis and later Arco Briga. The familiar pattern of occupation by Visigoths then Moors followed and - as with so many local towns and fortresses - the Christians took until the end of the 13th century to wrest control of Arcos for good.

The town became a religious centre during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, with a handful of convents being founded and three major churches appearing along the cliff top. The Dukes of Arcos built señorial houses which can still be seen in the narrow streets but Arcos' fortunes declined as larger noble families began to dominate agriculture in the area during the 19th century.

The town was shunned by outsiders for much of its past amid whisperings of witches' covens, but the Arcos of today is a popular stopping off point for visitors. Tourism, arable and olive farming and construction (especially roof tiling) are the mainstays of the local economy.

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