Cuenca, with about 54,000 inhabitants, is a provincial capital of Castilla-La Mancha. Its old town stands on a rocky spur between the gorges of the Júcar and Huécar rivers, with houses built on the edge of the drop. It has been a UNESCO site since 1996, as an exceptional medieval fortified town perfectly integrated into its landscape.
History
Founded by the Arabs as the fortress of Kunka, it was taken by Alfonso VIII of Castile in 1177. In the Middle Ages it thrived on wool and textiles. In the 20th century it became a centre of Spanish abstract art, when a group of painters led by Fernando Zóbel chose the city as their base.
What to see
- The Hanging Houses, Casas Colgadas, 15th-century houses with wooden balconies overlooking the Huécar gorge, the city's symbol.
- The Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, inside the Hanging Houses, founded by Fernando Zóbel in 1966, with works by Chillida, Tàpies, Saura and Millares.
- San Pablo bridge, an iron footbridge over the gorge, with the most famous view of the Hanging Houses.
- The cathedral of Santa María y San Julián, one of Spain's first Gothic cathedrals, of Norman influence, with modern stained glass.
- The colourful Plaza Mayor, with its arcaded town hall.
- The San Martín quarter and Calle Alfonso VIII, with brightly painted houses.
- Viewpoints over the gorges, such as Barrio del Castillo and Florencio Sanz.
- The Palaeontology Museum of Castilla-La Mancha, with dinosaurs found in the province.
Nature
- The Ciudad Encantada, about 35 km away, a maze of limestone rocks eroded into fantastic shapes.
- The Júcar gorges and the Serranía de Cuenca, with the source of the Cuervo river and the Uña lagoons.
Festivals and food
Holy Week, of international tourist interest, famous for the Good Friday Turbas procession and the Religious Music Week. Specialities: morteruelo, a warm meat pâté, zarajo, ajoarriero, Manchego cheese, the alajú sweet and resolí liqueur.
Getting there
The AVE links Madrid with Cuenca-Fernando Zóbel in about an hour; the station is outside town, linked by bus. See also itineraries.