Cuenca, Spain: attractions and photos

A trip to the most picturesque village, which presents many discoveries to its guests, is an excellent option for those who want something new and unusual. Almost invisible on the map of the town of Cuenca (Spain), whose attractions 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 Jucar and Huercar, and the old part enthralls homes that literally hover over the precipice. The city, founded at the dawn of our era, was a haven for Celtic warriors who chose a tiny settlement due to favorable geographic location: the mountains opened an excellent view of the plain and the enemy quickly noticed. Later, Cuenca was captured by Roman soldiers and Arabs, who gave the modern name to the city.

In the Middle Ages, various nationalities peacefully coexisted, but everything changed after the appearance of Christians, when the inhabitants of a miniature city, divided by religious criteria, founded separate quarters. Cuenca (Spain), divided into ethnic areas, for a long time was in decline after the collapsed natural disasters and epidemic of plague. Only in the XIX century began the economic growth of the city, which became the administrative center of the province.

Old city

The UNESCO-protected hospitable gem combines unique architectural monuments and amazing natural landscapes. The oldest city of Cuenca (Spain), whose photo delighted the lovers of history, is divided into a historical center saturated with the spirit of the Middle Ages and modern areas that have appeared recently. The city, which has preserved its ancient appearance, arouses great interest among tourists, as here the main historical objects of past epochs are concentrated.

Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Gracia

In the city square of Plaza Mayor there is a cathedral, combining several architectural styles in its appearance. Built on the site of an Arab mosque, it captures the tourists' looks with restrained elegance and impressive appearance. Admiration is not only a decorated facade, but also a luxurious interior decoration.

Now in the cathedral is a museum that stores paintings by El Greco and religious artifacts.

Convento de la Merced

Near the cathedral is the monastery of Merced, built in the 16th century and divided into two parts. Several times the reconstructed structure, which suffered during the hostilities, is recognized as a monument of the history and culture of the country. The famous landmark originally had only 15 cells, but the number of monks expanded and its territory. For this purpose, even the house of the local aristocrat, adjoining the monastery, was 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, which many centuries ago erected the Arabs. The ancient clock, located on it, according to local residents, counts not just the time, but the history of the ancient city. Now the stone structure, from the observation deck of which there are delightful 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 some picturesque ruins that cause interest in tourists. On the ruins is the highest point of the historical center, from which you can see the whole city as in the palm of your hand and make a stunning photo. Unfortunately, the old castle can not be inspected inside, because it is closed to visitors.

Casas Colgadas

The amazement of holidaymakers who have approached to the rocky coasts, evoke houses that have become a visiting card of the miniature Cuenca, Spain, where they come to combine a wonderful holiday with a rich excursion program. Renovated and retaining the original architectural design, Casas Colgadas are located above the gorge and hang over the abyss like swallows' nests. Previously, they lived townspeople, and now these are popular tourist sites, which house a cozy restaurant and souvenir shop.

It is not known who invented the houses built on the cliff, which were embedded in stone, but the first mention of them appeared already in the 15th century. Some are afraid to climb, others experience light dizziness after visiting unusual sights, but in fact these are objects safe for tourists. Among the unique dwellings that preserved the spirit of antiquity, the most famous ones remained: in one of the houses (Cas del Rey) once stood royal persons, and in another, called "Mermaid's House" is a museum of abstract art.

The Bridge of San Pablo

Above the deep abyss separating the hanging houses from St. Paul's monastery, stretched swaying Puente de San Pablo with metal supports. People who are afraid of heights can hardly climb to the unique historical monuments built into the rocks: the distance from the land to the bridge of San Pablo is about 60 meters, and the railings are not very high. As tourists enthusiastically note, it is here that a sense 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, seems to fly above the gorge.

And what colorful photos, when viewing which captures the spirit, are obtained at sunset or dawn, when the sun's rays gild the rocks, embracing the stone houses, which are their continuation. For the sake of these stunning scenery thousands of tourists from all over the world come here.

La Ciudad Encantada and Ventana del Diablo

Cuenca (Spain), which acquired a unique appearance, is famous for its natural park "Enchanted City" - a real maze, consisting of unevenly destroyed rocks. A unique reserve with a mystical atmosphere makes an indelible impression on visitors, admiring the formations of unusual shapes and bizarre views. Wandering along the pedestrian path, laid for tourists, you can see all the limestone formations bearing the names of different animals. But the most famous attraction is Tormo Alto - a giant mushroom, which attracts a lot of attention.

Leaving the nature reserve, you can go to the observation deck, located in a beautiful deep gorge with the mysterious name "Window of the Devil." It is necessary to walk along a stone arch to find yourself in a wonderful place, from where you can see beautiful views of the valley of the river Jucar.

Cuenca (Spain): reviews

In a city that is not very popular with foreign travelers, there are not enough tourists, and this is a special charm: there are no huge crowds of idle vacationers, and all of its main monuments can be well seen. Guests notice the special atmosphere of the past and the inimitable color of the administrative center, in which no one will be bored.

Most people admit that they are overwhelmed by an amazing feeling: they feel as if they were transported by the time machine to the Middle Ages. However, the inspection of the administrative center takes only a couple of hours, since few people have enough strength to climb the mountains. Tourists admit to love at first sight a unique settlement located on the rocks, and those who have not been here before, are rushing to get acquainted with the tiny city of Cuenca (Spain) and sights.

How to get there?

There is no airport here, and the nearest one is in the capital of the country, which you can get to from Moscow, and then you need to choose one of several ways. The easiest way to reach the city is by public transport: from Madrid autostation Auto-Res depart buses that will take to the desired place for two and a half hours.

It can also be reached by train from Madrid Atocha Station. Travel time will be no more than three hours.

Fantastically beautiful Cuenca (Spain), whose sights and photos demonstrate its uniqueness, it is difficult to name the ancient one, because it is always full of energy. The city in which life boils both day and night, despite the venerable age, young at heart and does not hide it.