Amazing Cuenca, Central Spain

Cuenca is one of Spain's eleven Unesco World Heritage sites, and if you go there you will not question why ! It lies approximately halfway between Madrid and the Mediterranean coast, not on usual beat of the sun seeking tourist, but a stunning vista awaits hose of you intrepid enough to try something different. The old medieval city stands one thousand metres up on a narrow ridge between the limestone canyons of the Jucar and Huecar rivers.

Because space was tight successive generations of Cuenca inhabitants were forced to build outwards to the extreme edge of the gorges, and then up, raising their dwellings on top of the previous layers until the "rascacielos" skyscrapers were piled 12 storeys high. Most famous of these are the Casas Colgadas — the “hanging houses” with amazingly frightening balconies that lean out over the Huecar Gorge below.

Things to enjoy on your wanderings around this special place are the medieval warren of lanes and steps, the 18th-century Town Hall and Spain’s oldest gothic cathedral.

You get a great view of Cuenca fromthe 16th-century Convent of San Pablo on the other side of the gorge. If you have the cash to splash then you could stay there because it is now a luxury hotel.

If you want to give Central Spain a closer look then here are a couple of links to get you going:

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays - Hidden Gems of Central Spain

Secret Destinations - Mainland Spain