doudou5August in Spain remains as scorching as ever, with temperatures in most areas nearing 40 degrees Celsius. During vacations, apart from heading to the beach, the only other option is staying indoors with the air conditioning running. However, after the onset of autumn, the weather finally relented, offering a few cooler days. This provided an opportunity to visit Cuenca, an ancient town perched on a cliff.
This city lies on the Meseta Central plateau in central-eastern Spain and is uniquely positioned atop a narrow rocky promontory above two major canyons carved out by the Júcar River and Huécar River. Cuenca’s history dates back to the Paleolithic era. Its original core was a primitive castle situated on high ground, and over time, construction proceeded downward, creating a vertically structured city. Owing to this distinctive structure, UNESCO designated Cuenca as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Here, the standout feature is undoubtedly the Hanging Houses, known in Spanish as CASAS COLGADAS. Many of these cliff-edge houses in the town were once royal villas and have now been turned into museums. The city itself sits atop cliffs, surrounded by dramatic escarpments carved out by river erosion. Some of these areas have been developed into winding mountain roads. Above these roads towers the ultra-modern red steel San Pablo Bridge. Interestingly, despite its modern appearance, the bridge deck is made of wooden planks, which can make crossing it a bit unsettling.
In the Hanging House, the windows offer a view of the surrounding eroded peculiar rocks. These windows act as natural picture frames, elegantly capturing the outside scenery and creating a picturesque landscape.
Most of the buildings in the old town center date back to the 13th to 16th centuries. The cathedral, a Gothic structure from the 13th century, stands out with its unique charm and rivals the famous cathedrals of other cities.
The castle hotel in Cuenca, originally an ancient monastery, can be reached by crossing the San Pablo Bridge from the old town. Perched on a cliff with breathtaking views and directly facing the famous Hanging Houses, this hotel gained fame when Spain’s current King Felipe VI vacationed here discreetly during his time as a prince.
Walking up the cobblestone path will lead you to a 13th-century castle, once the heart of this city. Today, it stands mostly in ruins, though some sections remain climbable, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Historically, this castle served as a defensive stronghold due to its strategic vantage point, providing clear visibility of any approaching enemies.
In conclusion, Cuenca Old Town is definitely worth a visit. If you’re short on time, a day is sufficient to explore the entire town. However, if you have some extra time, staying overnight is also a great option. The town boasts numerous museums, and you can even stay at a hotel where the King of Spain once resided. Enjoying the night scenery adds to the charm of this delightful destination.
