Cuenca’s architectural heritage is among its greatest draws. The city’s old town, perched dramatically atop a rock outcrop, is an intricate maze of medieval streets, flanked by ancient buildings, churches, and palaces. Its most famous architectural marvels are the Casas Colgadas, or “hanging houses,” which seem to defy gravity as they extend over the cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the Huécar River gorge. These buildings now house a modern art museum and a restaurant with panoramic views.
Cuenca Cathedral, one of Spain’s first Gothic-style cathedrals, is another must-see. Its distinctive façade and impressive stained-glass windows make it a key landmark. Other important sites include the 15th-century San Pablo Bridge, the Church of San Pedro, and the ruins of the old castle.
For museum lovers, the Museo de Arte Abstracto Español is housed in the iconic Casas Colgadas and offers a striking contrast between the ancient exterior and the contemporary art collection inside. Nature enthusiasts should not miss the Ciudad Encantada (Enchanted City), a natural rock formation just outside Cuenca that resembles a fantastical landscape of eroded stone sculptures.