A trip to the picturesque village, which presents many discoveries to its guests, is an excellent option for those who want something new and unusual. The almost unnoticeable town of Cuenca (Spain), whose sights can be described endlessly, will help to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages.
A bit of history
The capital of the province of the same name, Cuenca, located in the mountains, is located on a hill between the two rivers Hukar and Uecar, and its old part delights with houses that literally hang over the abyss. The city, based at the dawn of our era, was a haven for Celtic warriors who chose a tiny settlement because of their favorable geographical position: from the mountains an excellent view of the plain appeared and the enemy was quickly noticed. Later, Cuenca was captured by Roman warriors and Arabs, who gave the city its modern name.
In the Middle Ages, different nationalities coexisted peacefully here, however, everything changed after the appearance of Christians, when the inhabitants of the miniature city, divided by religious signs, founded separate quarters. Cuenca (Spain), divided into ethnic zones, has been in decline for quite some time after the collapsed natural disasters and the plague epidemic. Only in the XIX century began the economic growth of the city, which became the administrative center of the province.
Old city
A UNESCO-protected hospitable pearl of the country combines unique architectural monuments and amazing natural landscapes. The most ancient city of Cuenca (Spain), whose photo delight history buffs, is divided into the historical center saturated with the spirit of the Middle Ages and modern areas that have appeared recently. The city, which has retained its old look, is of great interest to tourists, since the main historical objects of past eras are concentrated here.
Basilica de nuestra senora de gracia
The Plaza Mayor is a cathedral that combines several architectural styles in its appearance. Built on the site of an Arab mosque, it captivates the eyes of tourists with restrained elegance and impressive appearance. Admiration is caused not only by the decorated facade, but also by the luxurious interior decoration.
Now in the cathedral is a museum that stores paintings by El Greco and religious artifacts.
Convento de la merced
Next to the cathedral is the Merced Monastery, built in the 16th century and divided into two parts. The reconstructed building several times damaged during the hostilities is recognized as a monument of the country's history and culture. The famous landmark initially had only 15 cells, but its territory expanded with the number of monks. For this purpose, the house of a local aristocrat adjacent to the monastery was even bought.
Torre de mangana
Visitors to Cuenca (Spain) are sure to get acquainted with the watchtower of Manyana - a historical monument reminiscent of the fortress wall that the Arabs erected many centuries ago. According to local residents, the ancient clock located on it counts not just time, but the history of the ancient city. Now the stone structure, from the observation deck of which there are amazing panoramas to the neighboring village, has been transferred to the municipality.
Castillo de cuenca
From the defensive structure, erected in the XVI century, there were only picturesque ruins of interest to tourists. On the ruins is the highest point of the historical center, from which you can see the whole city at a glance and take stunning photos. Unfortunately, the old castle cannot be inspected inside, since it is closed to visitors.
Casas colgadas
The amazement of vacationers who approached the rocky shores is caused by the houses that have become the hallmark of miniature Cuenca, Spain, where they come to combine a wonderful holiday with a rich excursion program. Refurbished and preserving the original architectural design, Casas Colgadas are located above the gorge and hang over the precipice like swallow's nests. Previously, the townspeople lived in them, but now they are popular tourist sites that house a cozy restaurant and a souvenir shop.
It is not known who came up with the idea to build houses on a cliff that have grown into stone, but the first mention of them appeared in the 15th century. Some are afraid to rise, others experience lightheadedness after visiting unusual sights, but in reality they are safe for tourists. Among the unique dwellings that preserved the spirit of antiquity, the most famous remained: in one of the houses (Cas del Rey) the royal people once stayed, and in the other, called the "Mermaid's House", there is an abstract art museum.
San Pablo Bridge
Over the deep chasm that separates the hanging house area from St. Paul’s Monastery, a swaying Puente de San Pablo with metal poles stretches. People afraid of heights are unlikely to be able to climb the unique historical monuments built into the rocks: the distance from the ground to the San Pablo bridge is about 60 meters, and the railing is not very high. As tourists enthusiastically note, it is here that a feeling of weightlessness is felt and it seems that the city of Cuenca (Spain), located at an altitude of more than 900 meters, demonstrating the denial of all the laws of gravity, as if flying over a gorge.
And what colorful photographs, when viewed which are breathtaking, are obtained at sunset or dawn, when the sun's rays gilded the rocks hugging the stone houses, which are their continuation. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come here for the sake of these stunning landscapes.
La Ciudad Encantada and Ventana del Diablo
Cuenca (Spain), which has acquired a unique look, is famous for the Enchanted City Natural Park - a real labyrinth consisting of unevenly destroyed rocks. The unique reserve with a mystical atmosphere makes an indelible impression on visitors admiring formations of unusual shapes and a bizarre appearance. Wandering along the hiking trail laid for tourists, you can see all the limestone formations bearing the names of various animals. But the most famous attraction is Tormo Alto - a giant mushroom that attracts attention.
Leaving the nature reserve, you can drop by the observation deck, located in a beautiful deep gorge with the mysterious name "Window of the Devil." You need to go through a stone arch to find yourself in a wonderful place, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the valley of the Hukar River.
Cuenca (Spain): reviews
The city, which is not yet very popular among foreign travelers, has few tourists, and there is a special charm in it: there are no huge crowds of vain guests, and all of its main monuments can be well seen. Guests notice the special atmosphere of antiquity and the unique color of the administrative center, in which no one will be bored.
Most people admit that they are surrounded by an amazing feeling: it seems to them that they were transported to the Middle Ages by a time machine. True, an examination of the administrative center takes only a couple of hours, since few people have the strength to climb mountains. Tourists declare their love at first sight to a unique village located on the rocks, and those who have not visited here are in a hurry to get acquainted with the tiny city of Cuenca (Spain) and attractions.
How to get there
There is no airport here, and the nearest one is in the capital, which can be reached from Moscow, and then you need to choose one of several ways. The easiest way to get to the city is by public transport: buses depart from the Madrid Auto-Res station and take them to the right place in two and a half hours.
It can also be reached by train departing from Madrid Atocha Station. Travel time will be no more than three hours.
The fantastically beautiful Cuenca (Spain), the sights and photos of which demonstrate its uniqueness, can hardly be called ancient, since it is always full of strength. A city in which life boils day and night, despite its venerable age, is young in soul and does not hide it.