Cuenca
A World Heritage City
The World Heritage City of Cuenca is a perfect example of a medieval fortified city, which is well worth a visit from Madrid. The most famous feature of Cuenca is its Hanging Houses, with their wooden balconies, perched on a cliff overlooking the river.
Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets inside the medieval city walls to explore its towers, manor houses and churches.
Picture it, the city looks like a natural fortress: the Muslim medina was located on top of the hill and the city grew up around it, on a rock formed by two rivers.
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MUST-SEE
Torre de Mangana
This tower was built in the 16th century during Muslim rule. It was originally part of the fortifications that protected the city.
The wall of Cuenca and the castle
Nowadays, only a few ruins remain of what these monuments once were. A few fragments of the wall, two magnificent cubes and the stone arch that was one of the entrances to the city, are preserved.
The Cathedral of Santa María and San Julián
This is one of the most precious and famous monuments in Cuenca. Construction began in the 12th century and it seamlessly combines different architectural styles.
The bridge of San Pablo and the Hanging Houses
From the 110 metre long iron bridge you can see the houses hanging over the cliffs. The view is breathtaking.
La Ciudad Encantada
This is one of the most visited natural areas because of its magical charm. You will be in awe of the karst landscapes, which resemble human silhouettes, objects and animals, not to mention all its legends.
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WHERE CAN I EAT?
Many taverns and gastrobars are a great choice, where you can try typical dishes and tapas such as migas with eggs or ajoarriero, as well as more exclusive restaurants with special décor or haute cuisine.
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WHAT IF I WANT TO GO SHOPPING?
If you are looking for a souvenir, the shops and artisan workshops may be your best option, especially the jewellery and toy shops.
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HOW DO I GET TO CUENCA?
Cuenca is 170 kilometres from Madrid and only one hour by high-speed train from Atocha station. You can also get there by bus from Madrid's Méndez Álvaro station.
