Cuenca - Spain |
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Cuenca is divided in the old town, famous because of its unique situation on the edge of a perpendicular precipice, and the modern part at the foot of this rock. The small old part, with its narrow streets and its slanting Plaza Mayor, houses the curious cathedral with its two El Greco paintings. Quite near are the archeological museum and the museum for abstract art, one of Europe's finest. This museum is housed in the famous Casas Colgadas, the hanging houses, built in the 14th century.
For its location see the map below.
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The Plaza Mayor in the old part, with its bars and terraces. The winding steep road from the new part to the upper part of town. Ciudad Encantada, a freak of nature (see below).
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| What's really great: |
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Ciudad Encantada, the Enchanted City, about 30 km from Cuenca. Here you'll find very strangely deformed rocks, each with their own name, like the Elephant, the Human Head etc. The most impressive is the Tormo Alto, near the entrance, over 20 meters high, like a huge mushroom on a an incredible small stem. The trip to and back to Ciudad Encantada is an experience in itself. Follow the signs in Cuenca, the last part is a wonderful winding road through the mountains. Don't take the same road back or you0ll miss one of the most beautiful stretches in Spain. Just keep following the road you came by. You'll pass through the Hoz del Júcar, a winding gap with atrociously deformed precipices. When you come to the three-forked road, with on your right hand a bridge, go strait ahead. This is another beautiful winding road with incredible nice sights, that will take you to the gate of the old part of town.
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| Sights: |
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The small bridge crossing the deep ravine from where you have the best outlook on the Casa Colgadas. Not recommended for people with fear of heights.
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| Accommodations: |
In the new part of town along the river is a camping.
Another one is about 15 km. outside the town. Follow the signs to Ciudad Encantada.
Hotel Alfonso VIII*** situated at the Parque San Julian, de centre of the modern part of town.
Hotel Cueva del Fraile***, a beautiful romantic hotel situated just outside the old centre. Leave the upper part of town through the old gate and just follow the road.
Parador de Cuenca****, expensive but situated in the old town centre near the Plaza.
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| Hangouts: |
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On and around the Plaza Mayor in the old part. In the main street in the newer part.
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| Restaurants: |
The hotel Alfonso VIII has a good restaurant situated on the top floor, with a wonderful view over the new city.
In the Casa Colgadas, in the old part is the famous, but expensive Restaurante de las Casas Colgadas.
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Published on Tuesday October 15th, 2002 by lonewolf
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