Cuenca, Spain: attractions and photos

A trip to the most picturesque village, whichoffers a lot of discoveries to his guests, is an excellent option for those who want something new and unusual. Almost invisible on the map, 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 is Cuenca,located in the mountains, is located on a hill between the two rivers Jukar and Uekar, and its old part enthralls homes, literally hovering over the abyss. The city, founded at the dawn of our era, was a haven for Celtic warriors who chose a tiny settlement due to a favorable geographical 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, variousHowever, everything changed after the appearance of Christians, when the inhabitants of a miniature city, divided by religion, founded separate quarters. Cuenca (Spain), divided into ethnic zones, for quite a long time was in decline after the collapsed natural disasters and plague epidemic. Only in the XIX century the economic growth of the city, which became the administrative center of the province, began.

Old city

The UNESCO-protected hospitableThe pearl of the country combines unique architectural monuments and amazing natural landscapes. The oldest city of Cuenca (Spain), whose photo delighted the amateurs 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 (Plaza Mayor)There is a cathedral, combining in its appearance several architectural styles. 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 monasteryMerced, erected in the XVI 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 with the number of monks its territory also expanded. For this purpose, even the house of the local aristocrat, adjoining the monastery, was bought.

Torre de Mangana

Visitors to Cuenca (Spain) mustget acquainted with the watchtower of Manyan - 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 which opens delightful panoramas to the neighboring village, was transferred to the municipality.

Castillo de Cuenca

From the defensive structure erected in the XVIcentury, there were some picturesque ruins, causing 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 tourists coming to the rockybanks, call lodges, which have become a visiting card of a miniature Cuenca, Spain, where they come to combine a wonderful holiday with a busy 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 in townspeople, and now these are popular tourist sites, which house a cozy restaurant and souvenir shop.

It is not known who invented to build on the precipicehouses, ingrown into stone, but the first mention of them appeared already in the XV 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 were the most famous: 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 chasm separating the hanging regionhouses from the monastery of St. Paul, stretched swaying Puente de San Pablo with metal pillars. People 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 feeling of weightlessness is felt and it seems that the city of Cuenca (Spain), located at an altitude of more than 900 meters, demonstrating the negation of all the laws of gravitation, seems to fly above the gorge.

And what colorful photos, when viewedwhich are breathtaking, 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 uniqueappearance, 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 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 the Tormo Alto - a giant mushroom, which attracts a lot of attention.

When leaving the nature reserve, you can drop inon 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 beautiful views of the valley of the Khukar River open.

Cuenca (Spain): reviews

In a city that is not very popular yetforeign travelers, there are few tourists, and there is a special charm: there are no huge crowds of scamper holidaymakers, 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 coveredan amazing feeling: they feel as if they were transported by the time machine in 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 love at first sight to 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, and the nearest one is inthe 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: buses leave the Madrid Auto-Res bus station and take them to the desired place in two and a half hours.

You can also reach the train from Madrid Atocha station. Travel time will not be more than three hours.

Fantastically beautiful Cuenca (Spain),sights and photos of which 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.