Castle of Arcos de la Frontera

The Castle of Arcos de la Frontera is located in the Historic Centre of the town -declared a Historic-Artistic Site-, perched on top of a crag and surrounded by 2 cliffs. This made it inaccessible to the enemy in case of a battle. Its silhouette stands out in the town along with the Minor Basilica of Santa María de la Asunción. 

During the Muslim period, it was a military fortress of the taifa kings, with its first construction dating back to before the 11th century. But with the arrival of the Christians, it became the property of the Dukes of Arcos. It was transformed during the 14th and 15th centuries. 

Its plan is square, consisting of four crenellated towers at its corners. According to the existing documentation, of the old fortress remains a large horseshoe arch at the old west entrance and a wall section in the southwest. But the Tower of the Secret, the eastern walkway, the southern flanking towers, the cistern of the Parade Ground, and the pyramidal-covered battlements date back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

Its access is currently beneath the arch where the Town Hall's oratory used to be. Its facade is crowned by the coat of arms of the Dukes of Arcos.

During the War of Independence (1810 – 1812), it was used as a barracks for Napoleon's troops. 

It later belonged to the Ponce de León family, and today its owners are of English origin.

On 29 June 1985, it was declared a Cultural Heritage Site, with the category of monument.