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| Cuenca | ||
| region | Castile-La Mancha | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 54.621 (2020) | |
| height | 946 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Cuenca is a city in the province Cuenca Autonomous Region of Castile-La Mancha. It lies on a rocky ridge between the gorges of the Júcar and Huécar rivers.
background
Cuenca has belonged to the since 1996 because of its unique location on a steep rock ridge between the two rivers Júcar and Huécar UNESCO world cultural heritage. The problem with the city was the narrowness of the rock. For reasons of space, hanging houses were built into the gorge. Their wooden balconies seem to float freely over the gorge. They make Cuenca famous.
During the Gothic and Renaissance periods, the wool and cloth trade was carried out and prosperity was achieved. The Gothic-Norman cathedral is an example of this. Cuenca has a university. The new town consists of modern residential buildings and is located in the valley of the Júcar.
The Romans founded Cuenca and named the city Conc. The Moors took Conca in 711. From now on she was called Kunka. They built the castle and ruled for more than 400 years. The two gorges protected the city and made it almost impregnable. Alfonso VIII besieged the fortress for nine months. Then the residents gave up just before starving. Cuenca became Castilian and Catholic. The mosque was consecrated as a cathedral. Churches and monasteries were built. A monument created by Miguel Zapata has been erected to the conqueror Alfonso VIII. Alfonso VIII gave the city the title "Muy noble y muy leal" (very noble and very loyal). In the centuries that followed, Cuenca grew through the textile industry. Construction of the cathedral began. Workers from France were also involved, as Alfonso VIII's wife, Leonor de Plantagenet, came from France.
Casa Colgada, hanging houses
cathedral
Calle Mosen Diego de Valera
In the 18th century, Carlos IV banned textile production in Cuenca because he was competing with Real Fabrica de Tápices (Royal Tapestry Factory) did not want to accept. As a result, Cuenca felt badly. 5,000 residents left the city. In the war of independence against Napoleon, Cuenca was partially destroyed, which exacerbated its crisis. Only 6,000 residents remained in the city. When the railway was built in the 19th century, the town grew through the timber industry, rose again and finally had 10,000 inhabitants. In 1874 the Carlist conquered the city and destroyed it again considerably.
In 1902 the cathedral tower collapsed. The facade was damaged. It has been restored again. Construction of new twin towers at both ends has begun. The upper part of both towers is still waiting for completion. As in other regions of Spain, the first two decades of the 20th century were not easy. The Catholic Church has been relentlessly attacked by rural poverty. Monks, nuns, priests and even a bishop fell victim to the attacks. During the civil war, Cuenca was in the Zona roja (Republican). General Franco conquered the city in 1938. After that, Cuenca fell into dire poverty. Many residents had to emigrate to the Basque Country, Catalonia, other areas and countries such as Germany. Between 1960 and 1970 the city slowly recovered.
getting there
By plane
The nearest airport is Madrid, which is around 180 km away. You can go to Cuenca by train or bus.
By train
There is a Renfe rail link to Valencia and Madrid.
By bus
There is a bus connection from Madrid to Cuenca. The bus takes 2-3 hours.
In the street
- From Madrid you use the A-3 to the southeast and change to the N-400 to the east at Tarancón.
- From Murcia you can get to Cuenca on the A-30 via Albacete and the N-320.
- From Valencia, the A-3 heads west to exit 212 and then uses the N-320.
mobility
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In the narrow old town you can reach all sights on foot. If you arrive by car, you should park it in the large parking lot in the Neustadt and walk upstairs. A little below the Parador you can cross the river and the gorge on a new steel footbridge.
Tourist Attractions
The old town of Cuenca and its old quarters, which have grown over the centuries, have changed little. Many of their buildings are still used as they were before. There are monasteries that are still alive, churches, mansions and the town hall with its arcades.
- 1 cathedral (Catedral de Cuenca).
The Gothic-Norman cathedral has an impressive facade. The church was built from the 12th to the 16th century. Altar, chapter house and the chapels are worth seeing. The two towers date from the 20th century, because the previous tower collapsed in 1902. - 2 Casas Colgadas.
Hanging houses from the 17th century. In one is the Museum of Abstract Art and in the Casa de la Sirena a meson (Restaurant). - 3 Plaza Mayor.Here are the baroque Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) from the 18th century and the cathedral. The town hall from 1762 has one passage and two passages in the beautiful Calle Mosen Diego de Valera and Calle de Santa Maria. From the Plaza Mayor you can walk to the left of the cathedral through the Calle de Julián Romero along the Huécar gorge and enjoy the beautiful views.
- 4 Iglesia de San Miguel.The Iglesia stands on the steep slope of the Júcar gorge. The Gothic church has a beautiful Mudejar ceiling.
- 5 Torre de Mangana.The Torre Mangana stands at the highest point of Cuenca and was a watchtower in Moorish times.
- 6 Castillo.The Castillo is of Moorish origin and was later expanded by the Christians. The gate to the castle Arco de Bezudo is preserved.
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Museums
- Provincial Archives. The Provincial Archives used to be a prison and the seat of the Inquisition.
- Museo Diocesano. The Diocesan Museum is next to the Archbishop's Palace and displays paintings by El Greco.
- 7 Museo de Arte Abstracto.The abstract art museum is located in one of the most beautiful Casa Colgada (hanging houses) and shows works by Antoni Tapies and Eduardo Chillida.
- Espacio Torner Art Hall, in the former monastery of San Pablo.
- Antonio Pérez Foundation. The foundation used to be the convent of the Carmelites.
- Museo Arqueológico. The archaeological museum shows prehistoric finds up to the 17th century. The collection from Roman times is remarkable.
activities
shop
kitchen
The gastronomic delicacies of the region are: morteruelo, ajoarriero, zarajos, alajú and a wine from the Mancha.
nightlife
accommodation
Upscale
- Parador de Cuenca. From there you can reach the via an iron footbridge Casas Colgada over to the old town.
security
health
Practical advice
- Tourist information, Calle Alfonso VIII, 2nd floor.
trips
literature
Web links
https://www.cuencatierraseca.es - Official website of Cuenca
