Cuenca |
Other opinions
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The fact is that even Fernanda enjoyed very much this visit, and didn't complaint for the few more kilometers. Cuenca was a good capital to European culture in 2016.
Plaza Mayor
UNESCO heritage since 1996, Cuenca has in this square at the entrance of the historic site, its dominant point. City hall, a baroque building with three arches giving access to the square, and the cathedral of "Nuestra Señora de Gracia", from the 12th century, are the most remarkable buildings in this harmonious square. |
Ayuntamiento
Cathedral
Alfonso VII of Castilla conquered Cuenca from the moors and the mosque was, as usually, transformed in a christian church. Influenced by the Normans (the Spanish queen, Leonor Plantagenet, was daughter of the English king) it was built in first french Gothic, but the facade was later replaced in neo-Gothic, trying to reproduce the original, eliminating some baroque transformations. It's forbidden to take pictures inside. |
Castle
Carmelites convent
S Pedro Street
San Pablo
San Pablo bridge
The most famous bridge in Cuenca was built in 1902 in iron and wood. It is 100 meters long and 40 meters above the river level, coming from its deep bottom. The original bridge was built from 1533 to 1589, but collapsed. Maybe the high reputation of the new one comes from the excellent views that it allows. |
Hanging houses
The image of Cuenca is given by the "casas colgadas", a rank of old houses atop the edge of the canyon carved by Huecar river. Nowadays they are, obviously tourist attraction, housing a museum and a restaurant. They may be seen from several angles, the best being St. Pablo bridge or the castle, where we didn't go, but... wait for a new tip - Tito will go. |
Still the hanging houses In a previous tip I wrote that the best angle to see the hanging houses was from the bridge. Yes. it is! Tito went there, and brought a couple of new photos that confirm the common idea. We missed that angle, but it's about time for the youngsters to help the old guys, isn't it? |
Mangana Tower
Virgen de la Luz
Jucar river
Artificial river beach
Ciudad Encantada
More than 20 Km out of town a very well promoted park may be... a nice stroll or a touristy trap.
I read that it looks like Cappadocia, and that is insane. It is nothing special, but if you like an easy walk in natural environment, then it may be a very interesting option. The trail is easy, less than 3 Km long, and the rocks do show some odd shapes, feeding the imagination of those who gave names to each section or single rock. |