Cuenca (Spain)

From Imakoopedia

Cuenca is a town in the region of Spain with the same name.

Table of contents

1 Understand 2 Get in 3 See 4 Buy 5 Eat

Understand

Cuenca is situated between Madrid and Valencia, in the third least populated region in Europe, and the town itself is a world heritage site - the old town is an outstanding example of a medieval city, built on the steep sides of a mountain. The many casas colgadas ("hanging houses") are built right up to the cliff edge, making Cuenca one of the most striking towns in Spain, a gem in the otherwise largely bland province of Castilla La Mancha.

Get in

Cuenca is easily reached by train. It's on the main line from Madrid to Valencia. It's a popular weekend trip for Madrileños, so hotels are often less crowded during the week.

See

• Museum of Spanish Abstract Art. Cuenca was the longtime home of artist and photographer Fernando Zóbel, and he chose it as the location for the museum, located in two converted centuries-old "casas colgadas". Many of the pictures hang in glorious isolation with an entire wall for a single picture, and a few windows provide imposing views out over the gorge.
• Archeological museum. Dedicated largely to Roman finds in the area.
• Cathedral. Its façade is unfortunately marred by a nineteenth century attempt at remodeling, but has a beautiful gothic interior with very detailed (and in some cases seemingly pagan) carvings. There is a near-absolute ban on photography, or even sketching, inside the cathedral, except by obtaining explicit permission, typically granted only on the basis of a portfolio.

Buy

Because of the museum and because the town is a popular place for visitors from Madrid, Cuenca has a fine collection of small art galleries.

Eat

Most of the best restaurants are down below in the newer part of town, which is far less picturesque.