Historic Walled Town of Cuenca, Medieval fortress in Cuenca, Spain
The Historic Walled Town of Cuenca is an old town perched on a limestone ridge between two deep gorges carved by the Júcar and Huécar rivers at around 1000 meters elevation. The medieval settlement is surrounded by protective walls and contains interconnected streets lined with buildings spanning multiple historical periods.
Following its capture from Moorish rule in 1177, Cuenca transformed from an Islamic fortress into a royal city under Christian control. This period of change left marks on the urban layout and architecture visible throughout today.
The cathedral displays Gothic and Norman architectural elements enhanced by modern stained glass windows that cast colored light across the interior. This building shows how the town evolved after Christian rulers took control.
The town has multiple observation points suitable for photography, with guided walking tours available throughout the year in several languages. The steep streets require sturdy footwear and patience when exploring the different levels of the old district.
The Casas Colgadas are traditional houses built directly on the cliff edge, featuring wooden balconies that hang over the Huécar river gorge. This construction supported by rock creates an unusual appearance making the buildings seem to hover above the void.
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