Just about a two hour drive from Madrid, Cuenca is an ideal day-trip destination. Nicknamed "The Eagle's Nest" because of its hilltop location, the stunning views and interesting architecture will not disappoint.
A Brief Summary of Cuenca's Complicated History
Like much of the Castilla-La Mancha, and due to its strategic hilltop location, Cuenca was the object of a tug-o-war between Moorish and Christian rulers and was conquered and reconquered on several occasions after its discovery by Muslim forces in the 700s.
It was captured finally by Catholic Spanish ruler Alfonso VIII in 1177 but later suffered greatly under Napolean's troops.
Cuenca underwent decades of strife thanks to great poverty, the loss of their textile industry, the Third Carlist War, and finally the Spanish Civil War. It was not until the 1960s and 70s that the city reached a level of stability. It is now flourishing, boasting a population of 54,600 inhabitants in 2009.
Getting There; Travelling from Madrid to Cuenca
Cuenca is most conveniently accessed by car. However, buses and trains travel from Madrid to Cuenca several times a day and both trips take just over two hours. The historic city center is located at the top of a steep hill, but the city provides both electric buses and small trams to tote tourists up the incline.
La Catedral: Our Lady Grace Cathedral
Our Lady Grace Cathedral in Cuenca was Spain's first Gothic style cathedral, commissioned by Alfonso VIII immediately after the territory was recaptured from the Moors. The cathedral was constructed from 1182-1270, though it was consecrated in 1208.
The cathedral was the first building constructed under Cuenca's new Christian rule, and the Plaza Mayor was built around this excessively large monument.
In 1902, the tower of the cathedral fell, damaging the facade as it crumbled. The remainder of the antiquated structure remained unaffected, though the facade was rebuilt.
The cost of entry is 2.80 euros.
The Converted Saint Paul Convent--The Parador Nacional de Turismo de Cuenca
This 18th century convent was evacuated in 1975 due to structural risk. In the 1990s St. Paul's Convent was restored and converted into the Parador Nacional de Turismo de Cuenca, a luxury hotel belonging to the Parador hotel chain.
Las Casas Colgadas--The Hanging Houses
Cuenca is known for its famed hanging houses, built on the edge of a cliff overlooking the river and decorated with balconies that extend out from the cliff. In Cuenca today, very few of these houses remain, and currently hold an abstract art museum and a restaurant.
These hanging houses are best viewed from the St. Paul Bridge below.
Additional Monuments in Cuenca, Spain
For more information on the churches, museums, and other monuments in Cuenca and Castilla-La Mancha, visitors can look on the Castilla-La Mancha tourism website.
If visitors enjoy their time in Cuenca, they may want to look into Toledo, Spain, a close neighbor in Castilla- La Mancha.
