Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
The city of Cuenca, located 2 hours from Madrid, is an amazing place to visit. The city, while not a tourist destination per se, is a gem to visit. You can find out more about this by clicking here. It may not be a “gem” of Spain any more, given its increased popularity in the past decade, but it is still one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Spain.
The city is known for its architecture, and the province setting. It has much to offer visitors. The city is easily accessible from Madrid and many tourists take a daytrip there.
The city walls were historically built by the Moors as a defensive position in the middle of the Caliphate Cordoba. In 1975, Francisco de la Rosa the mayor from Ronda and Juan Villalobos the mayor from Cuenca signed a partnership between the two cities.
READ MOREHIDDEN CORNERS IN SPAIN: Santa Fe, just 8km outside of Granada, has its own rich history
This agreement, which had fallen into disuse and was forgotten in 2010, was presented in Madrid at the Tourism Industry Trade Show of January 2011. Cuenca was officially named Ronda’s sister in 2011 to encourage residents to visit each other.
Cuenca is similar to Ronda, and it can be difficult for someone who doesn’t live in either city to distinguish the differences. For example, the Puente Nuevo Bridge and Capilla del Pilar Chapel of Cuenca Cathedral are both designed by Jose Martin de Aldehuela. This is another striking similarity.
Cuenca offers two spectacular gorges with stunning views. For example, the famous Casas Colgadas on top of a rock face.
Cuenca: What to Do:
Cuenca, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, offers an array of cultural and natural attractions. The city of Cuenca has a vast network of museums, including the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art and the Museum of Science of Castilla La Mancha.
In the ravines carved by Jucar River and Huecar, you can go hiking, climb and watch birds. Wine tourism is also popular in the gorge. In this gorge, nature enthusiasts can get lost in the magic that pine trees, poplars and elms create. Los Callejones de las Majadas, a 2km path that guides visitors through rock structures and takes approximately 1 and a 1/2 hours.
The convent of San Pablo, built into the rock structure of the Gorge is a must-see. Enchanted City is also located outside the main city. Declared Natural Place of National Interest by the United States government on June 11, 1929, the area was once part of Tethys Sea.
It is not for the faint-hearted, but it is worth a visit. It is also beautiful at night, when lit up. From the bridge, you can get the best view of Las Casas Colgadas, a ruggedly beautiful town, which is perfect for taking photos.
Look around the historic walled town too: the Old Town is a heritage site, and has cobblestones and slopes reflecting Cuenca´s beauty. Plaza Mayor is located in the heart of Cuenca. It has a variety of restaurants and cafés. You can also book private guided tours in the city.
What are you still waiting for? Visit Cuenca today!
READ MORE: HIDDEN CORNERS OF SPAIN: Vejer de la Frontera – a whitewashed hilltop dream
Find Tailor Made Travel
Simply Holiday Bookings allows you to create your own personalized holiday experience.
