Five reasons to visit Cuenca on its 25th anniversary as a World Heritage Site

On December 6, 1996, Cuenca was

by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

The charm of this fortified medieval city, which preserves its original urban landscape, its balance with the environment and the nature that surrounds it are some of the reasons why it achieved this recognition.

Located on an imposing rocky hill, which makes it a natural viewpoint over the gorges of the Júcar river and its tributary the Huécar, the Castilian-La Mancha town has plenty of reasons to celebrate this anniversary and become a weekend getaway from fashion from here to the end of the year.

And not only because of its proximity to Madrid (less than two hours by car), here we list a few more.

Holding cultural events

Until the end of the year, a special plan of cultural activities has been programmed in the city that, without a doubt, will be one more tourist attraction. It includes everything from classical music concerts to flamenco numbers, jazz recitals, plays and art exhibitions. This bridge starts strong. The José Luis Perales Theater-Auditorium will be the setting for some of the performances, such as that of the

musical

which on December 6 will offer its particular jazz and flamenco fusion with an original musical language also impregnated by baroque or classical music. contemporary.

One of the highlights of the program is the concert by

, who will sing on Tuesday, December 7 in the aforementioned auditorium.

For its part, the Church of San Andrés will be the scene until the end of the month of

a curious play of large-format objects without actors halfway between the visual and performing arts and experimental music.

More information, program and ticket sales here.

Visit the Hanging Houses

They are the emblem of the city and the most visited place in Cuenca. They are true jewels of popular Gothic architecture, made of masonry with ashlars in the corners, perched on the rock ledge above the Huécar sickle (hence its name). Of the set of these buildings that overlook the river from their wooden cantilevered balconies on the cliff, only two can be visited: the

, which allow you to see original construction elements inside, such as the wooden beams. Inside is the

, with the best collections of abstract art in the world, as well as paintings and sculptures by Spaniards from the generation of the 50s and 60s, the peak period of this style (admission is free).

From these buildings, whose existence dates back to the s.

XV (Late Middle Ages), there are incredible views of the environment.

If what you want is to have the best panoramic view of the Hanging Houses, the best place is from the

.

Walk through the historic center

Main facade of the Cathedral.

Cuenca is much more than the Hanging Houses. To enjoy all its charm, the tour can begin in the

, the lively nerve center of the city, which is reached through narrow medieval streets. Full of bars and terraces, with buildings with colored facades, it is flanked by the

(built on an old mosque in 1183 with a variety of architectural styles), the

building

in Baroque style, raised on three semicircular arches in 1762) and the colorful

(18th century).

Next to the Cathedral is the

one of the oldest temples in the city (13th century), although later other naves were added, which stands on a platform in the Hoz del Río Júcar, next to the old wall.

To the north, the ruins of the

, an ancient Andalusian fortress, and to the south, the

, the 16th century clock tower.

Enjoy the natural environment

The environment where the city is located lends itself to enjoying nature walking around or from the heights. There are several viewpoints that can be accessed on foot or by car to get the best views of Cuenca, the rivers, the gorges and the surrounding landscape. Among them are the

, the furthest, the

,

(the climb on foot is hard) or

, on the other side of the river.

For lovers of quiet walks and hiking there are several options.

Las

is an idyllic path that borders the Júcar and the city;

the

, is a circular route of 7 km that begins in the same urban nucleus of the city and goes into forests and the Cuenca mountains;

and the path of the

is a panoramic route through the Huécar river gorge with views of the old town that runs along a well-marked path between steep walls and lush vegetation to a cave.

Get to know the Enchanted City

The Enchanted City.

25 km to the north, in the heart of the Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park and surrounded by immense pine forests, is another of Cuenca's claims and a must if you are in the area: the Enchanted City.

Declared a Natural Site of National Interest, the spectacular site, whose origin dates back 90 million years ago, when it was part of the Thetis seabed, is full of capricious calcareous or limestone rock formations as a result of erosion and the action of water over millions of years.

The site has

perfectly signposted

(entrance fee: 5 euros).

Where to eat

The

, texture similar to pâté, made with liver and pork tenderloin, plus small game meats such as rabbit or partridge, seasoned with spices, is one of the typical dishes must try when visiting Cuenca.

Also garlic arriero or migas with egg.

Divel

(Princesa Zaida, 10), a new place with traditional cuisine (croquettes, Iberian pork and sweet rice stand out),

(San Pedro, 58), with good

cheeses and an extensive wine list, and

(San Francisco, 20), one of the most famous places for tapas (Iberian, morteruelo and pickled partridge), are some of the recommended restaurants to taste the local cuisine.

Where to sleep

Parador de Cuenca

(Subida a San Pablo, s / n. Telephone: 969 23 23 20).

Spectacular hotel nestled in the Hoz del Huécar, in what was an old convent, on steep walls and surrounded by lush vegetation on the outskirts of the city.

The views of the Hanging Houses are magnificent.

: from 130 euros.

Reservations here.

In the heart of the old town, the

San Pedro, 12; Telephone: 969 23 27 00) occupies a 17th century building with elegant rooms.

: 100 euros.

Reservations here.

NOTE TO THE READER

* By reserving these accommodations through our website, readers will not get discounts or additional benefits, but they will help Metrópoli to obtain a commission for each reservation as an affiliate of the Booking.com program.

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