Idealspain.com the largest guide to Spain in the world
   Moving to Spain Guide
   A-Z of Places in Spain
   Relocation Services
   Spanish Legal System
   Buying Property in Spain
   Golf Properties
   Rural Properties
   Private Property Sales
   Property to Rent
   Buying & Running a Business
   Advertise in Property
   Facts About Money In Spain
   Banks in Spain
   Mortgages in Spain
   Investments in Spain
   Currency Exchanges
   Working in Spain
   Healthcare in Spain
   Schools in Spain
   Driving in Spain
   Plan a holiday in Spain
   Find a cheap hotel in Spain
   Hire a low priced car in Spain
   Check the weather in Spain
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guide to Cuenca, Spain

 

Hotelopia has special offers and great prices on hotels in Cuenca
Car Hire Booking Centre Online together with IdealSpain.com - Created with one main objective; to offer clients the best vehicles with the best service at unbeatable prices. Why pay more when BOOKING CENTRE ONLINE offers MORE THAN THE REST,  CHEAPER THAN REST? Car hire in the Cuenca  area at discounted prices.
 
 
The province of Cuenca is one of five provinces within the region of Castilla-La-Mancha, the other four being Guadalajara, Toledo, Albacete and Ciudad Real. The whole area has some of the most historic and beautiful lands within the whole of Spain. Remains of burial grounds dating from the Iron Age have been discovered as well as some major Roman settlements such as those at Saelices and Valeria.

Cuenca the city, known as the 'Eagles nest' because of its position, high on a hill, is easily accessed by means of the N430/N320 highways and has a good infrastructure within the city. The city is separated from the nearby rock face by deep ravines in which the rivers Júcar and Huécar run.

The city is clearly divided into two parts; the old and the modern. The modern half offers very little history, mainly consisting of modern residences, tower blocks and apartments. The old part is one of the most wonderful cities in Spain and is worthy of several days exploration. We visited Cuenca in March 2003 and enjoyed our stay thoroughly.

The Cathedral, pictured left, located in Plaza Mayor dates from 1177 and shows architecture over several periods. The interior houses many works of art. There are several chapels located within; each very different.
The Palcacio Episcopal dating from the 13th century is also worthy of a visit.
The Town Hall dating from the 18th century is located near the cathedral (look for the flags flying). Close to this you will find several street cafes where you can enjoy the afternoon sun. There are sevarl car parks close by; don't be tempted to park in the Plaza Mayor. Pictured right is the Plaza Mayor and Town Hall, looking from the cathedral steps.

Separated from the old town by the ravine and sitting on the edge of the rock is the San Pablo Convent. This is now the Parador, a luxurious restoration and four star, state-run hotel. The convent dates from the 16th century and the hotel is adorned with period furniture and works of art. The Parador makes an excellent place to stay with splendid views of the town. From the Parador take the iron bridge to the old town and watch for the famous 'hanging houses'.
 
 

 

 

 

 

The 'Hanging Houses' one of which is pictured right, are possibly the most surprising and amazing features of the city. These four houses literally hang on the edge of the cliff, overlooking the deep ravine near San Pablo Bridge. These houses have become a symbol of Cuenca.

Within many of the cobbled streets of old Cuenca you will find rows of tall, town houses, painted in vivid pastel colours such as those pictured left. This particual street is found through the arch of the town hall, heading down the hill. There are few shops in the old town other than the odd tourist shop. For shopping you need to head to the modern part of Cuenca. You will however find a great shop near the town hall that sells all manner of local craft items.
Walk past the cathedral, up the hill to the castle for splendid panoramic views. There is a walk from the castle, heading even higher that gives you the best views. A little past the castle you will find a tourist information office and several quaint bars. There is ample parking at the top so taking a car through the town is not really a problem. This is also the place to be if you are a walker. There are several planned routes giving the best sights.
Villages and towns of Cuenca Province
Alarcon
In the south of the province, a walled village built to a medieval plan and well preserved. The village has four 'must-see' churches and a castle where Don Juan Manuel wrote most of his works. The hill where the village is situated seems to have been inhabited since prehistoric times. It was conquered by the Romans, converted into a fortress by the Arabs and conquered back by Alfonso VIII. The enclosing ramparts are one of the best known and most complete defence systems existing in Spain today. The castle was built by Alfonso VIII on the site of an earlier Arab castle.
Worthy of a mention in the village is the Don Juan Manuel Square which is home to the Town Hall and St.John's Church. There are numerous other historical buildings scattered throughout the village. Spanning the river are two bridges, both of Arab construction built on older, Roman ones.
 
Belmonte
A monumental town of great interest with many, well preserved architectural gems, not least of all its castle. It was built by Juan Pacheco in 1456-1470 on the site of an earlier castle dated 1324. It was restored at one point and used as a private residence. The walled precinct whose 15th-16th century ramparts and gates connect the old town with the castle is particularly well preserved. Belmonte has more than its fair share of churches, palaces and convents. The hermitage of Nuestra Senora de Gracia, dated 17th century is certainly worthy of a visit