Spain's most underrated city: a spectacular medieval place with narrow streets and hanging houses that looks like it's from another era
A city in central Spain is considered by experts to be one of the country's most underrated tourist destinations. Although Spain attracts millions of visitors to Barcelona, Madrid or Seville every year, there are lesser-known places that keep their medieval charm intact and attract more and more attention from travel publications.
Spain's hidden medieval city that amazes tourists Photo: Youtube capture
Located in the Castilla-La Mancha region, the city of Cuenca impresses with its dramatic medieval architecture set on steep limestone cliffs.
The city is famous for its narrow streets, paved with cubic stone, and for its 12th-century Gothic cathedral, considered one of the first of its kind built in Spain, writes express.
One of its emblematic symbols is the ensemble known as “hanging houses” (Casas Colgadas), spectacular constructions that seem to hang over the precipice. Their view from the San Pablo Bridge, which crosses the Huécar River, is impressive, but can be overwhelming for those with altitude sickness.
The historic center of the city of Cuenca is included in the UNESCO world heritage, and its medieval atmosphere is complemented by important cultural institutions, such as the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, which houses contemporary works in stark contrast to the historic architecture of the building, states the cited publication.
Also nearby is Ciudad Encantada, a spectacular geological formation of roughly 90 million-year-old rocks shaped by nature into unusual shapes that attracts geology buffs and tourists alike.
Built buildings Photo: Getty images
For visitors, Cuenca also offers unique accommodation experiences. A former monastery has been converted into a four-star hotel with views over the old town, while other accommodation retains the area's rustic charm, with stone walls and local cuisine.
The city of Cuenca impresses with its architecture Photo: Gety images
Although not a mainstream tourist destination, Cuenca is relatively easily accessible from Madrid and is often preferred for day trips.
