A 13th-century church, historic waterworks and a lagoon system with around 35 depressions offer different perspectives on the history and nature of Arcas. For planning a stay, the specific locations are useful: the church is in the centre, the Laguna de Arcas is nearby, while the Lagunar de Ballesteros is a destination in the area around Arcas.

Church and water heritage

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Natividad stands in the centre of Arcas del Villar, on Plaza del Consistorio. It borders Calle Mayor, Calle de Gasset and Plaza de la Paz. The church was built in the 13th century and has Romanesque features; architectural elements of transition point to the Gothic style. Inside, the church has a wooden Mudejar roof structure of the “par y nudillo” type. The building brings together Romanesque features, Gothic transitions and a distinctive roof structure.

Arcas’s historic water heritage includes alcubillas, also known as cambijas or “arcas de agua”. Their origins are attributed to the Muslim heritage. They were distributed via conduits to irrigate the gardens. The different names and their role as part of an irrigation system give the water heritage a dimension beyond the visible fountains: it is not just about individual structures, but also about distributing water to the gardens.

The Fuente Vieja is on the edge of the built-up area, where a road gives way to an unpaved track. After a few dozen metres, you reach a spacious square with the fountain and a washhouse. The site appears to be very old and features extensive masonry.

Other fountains are also connected to their surroundings: 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 initially probably used solely as a watering place for livestock, and later also for recreation. The entire area developed into a recreational space. Together, these examples show different uses of water and the places associated with it, without reducing their history to a single function.

Lagoons, forests and trails

The Laguna de Arcas system consists of about 35 small depressions or sinkholes. Approximately 19 of them usually hold water permanently or intermittently. The lagoon is very close to the town centre and provides a natural setting for walks and wildlife watching. Underwater meadows formed by aquatic plants are among the sights to look out for, as are marsh harriers and black kites. The seasonal presence of birds can vary.

Dehesas and pine forests extend across the municipality of Arcas, inviting visitors to take walks and longer hikes. Walkable routes include, among others, the route to the lagoons.

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

Accommodation and getting around

The Lagunar de Ballesteros is in the area around the town and can be included as another destination when planning your stay. This allows you to consider local history, walks and a trip to the lagoon landscape as distinct highlights, without assuming that all destinations are in the same location or equally accessible.

A public bus connects Arcas with Cuenca and stops in Barrio de Cañada Molina. Routes and timetables may change, so check the latest timetable before departure. Cuenca is only a few minutes from Arcas, although the exact journey time can vary depending on the route and traffic.

Discover more destinations: Reíllo, Pajaroncillo, Villarrubio, Palomares del Campo, Landete, Talayuelas, Yémeda, Olmedilla De Alarcón.

View the wider travel guide: Cuenca.