Arcas: Church, Water Heritage and Nature

Arcas brings together a 13th-century church, a historic water heritage and destinations for walks and nature watching. To help you plan your stay, this page covers both the town centre and the landscapes and paths in the municipality.

Church and Local History

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Natividad in Arcas del Villar was built in the 13th century. It is Romanesque in style and features some architectural elements transitional to Gothic. The church is in the town centre, on Plaza del Consistorio, and borders Calle Mayor, Calle de Gasset and Plaza de la Paz. Inside, it has a wooden Mudejar roof structure of the “par y nudillo” type.

The water heritage is also part of the town’s history. This includes alcubillas, also called cambijas or “arcas de agua,” whose origins are attributed to the Muslim period. Water was distributed through channels to irrigate the gardens. The names refer to different terms for these structures; their function also included a water distribution system.

Fountains and Water Features

At the edge of the built-up area lies the Fuente Vieja. There, a road gives way to an unpaved path; after a few dozen metres, you reach a spacious square with the fountain and a washhouse. The Fuente Vieja appears to be very old and has an extensive masonry structure. Some individual architectural details of the fountain features may have been repaired or altered later.

The Fuente de San Isidro is near the Ermita de San Isidro and the pine forest surrounding the chapel. There is a picnic area next to the fountain. The Fuente de los Gamellones was probably originally used exclusively as a livestock watering place; later, it was also used for recreation. The entire area developed into a recreational space. These places offer insight into different historical and later uses of water, although they do not all have the same character.

Lagoons, Trails and Nature Watching

The Laguna de Arcas system consists of about 35 small depressions or dolines. Around 19 of them usually hold water, either permanently or seasonally. The lagoon is very close to the town centre and serves as a natural area for walking and observation. Meadows of aquatic plants formed below the water’s surface are among the sights to look out for, as are western marsh harriers and black kites. Seasonal concentrations of birds may vary.

Dehesas and pine forests extend across the municipality of Arcas, offering opportunities for walks and longer hikes. Walkable routes include, among others, the route to the lagoons.

The Lagunar de Ballesteros complex is located near Arcas and can be reached via the road between Arcas del Villar and Villar de Olalla. In the hamlet of Ballesteros, a signposted nature trail starts at a free car park. The complex can be visited year-round; binoculars are recommended for birdwatching. Wildlife visibility varies seasonally. As road conditions and parking regulations may change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Getting Around and Staying

The city of Cuenca is only a few minutes from Arcas; the exact travel time may vary depending on the route and traffic. A public bus connects Arcas with Cuenca and stops in Barrio de Cañada Molina. Routes and timetables may change, so check the current timetable before travelling.

A dated example of local events is the programme for the festivities in honour of the Santo Rostro, held from 8 to 18 September 2023. It included religious, cultural and musical events, as well as a procession of the peñas, bullfighting events, Calderetas, Gachas, traditional games and sports competitions. This information relates to the 2023 programme.

Discover more destinations: Barajas De Melo, Pajaroncillo, Piqueras Del Castillo, Almodóvar del Pinar, Jábaga, Huélamo, Laguna Del Marquesado, Solera De Gabaldón.

For the broader travel overview: Cuenca.