Ciudad Encantada, Natural rock formations in Cuenca, Spain
Description
Ciudad Encantada is a natural monument featuring limestone and dolomite rock formations in the province of Cuenca, roughly 30 kilometers northeast of the capital. The rocks rise from a forested plateau and form columns, arches, and freestanding blocks that have been carved by erosion into unusual shapes.
History
The area formed over 90 million years ago as a seabed and was later lifted by tectonic movements before rain and wind carved the present shapes. The Spanish government designated it a site of national interest in 1929 to protect the formations and their natural surroundings.
Culture
Local names for the rock shapes include the Bear, the Mushroom, and the Seal, reflecting how visitors have long tried to identify animals and objects in the stone. Families often walk the trails together, stopping at each labeled formation to compare impressions and debate which creature or object they see.
Practical
The paths through the site are mostly unpaved and cross uneven terrain with some steep sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The area sits at around 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) elevation, where weather can change quickly, so prepare for cold or rain.
Did you know?
One formation called El Tormo Alto rises over 20 meters (65 feet) and balances on a narrow base much smaller than its upper section. The shape shows how erosion exposes harder rock layers and removes softer ones below, creating structures that seem impossible.
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Castile-La Mancha covers a large highland area in the middle of Spain, between Madrid and Andalusia. This region includes towns with art and history, like Toledo, an old Spanish city with medieval streets and monuments that show the mixing of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures. It also has...
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