Cuenca

Cuenca is a city in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha with history dating back to 714 when the Muslim Arabs built a fortress in the area.

Conca Alcazaba was built between two gorges of the Júcar and Huécar rivers and surrounded by a one kilometre wall.  As

During the twelfth century the area was seized and occupied by both Moors and Christians, eventually being recaptured in 1177 by Alfonso VIII, who granted Cuenca a city title.  During the next couple of centuries the city became an agricultural and textile manufacturing centre.

The diocese of Cuenca was established in 1183 and its second bishop, St Julian, became patron saint of the city.  The cathedral was constructed during the following century in a Gothic style due to the influence of Alfonso’s French wife.  The main alter was redesigned during the 18th century by architect, Ventura Rodríguez.  The façade was rebuilt in 1902 after the collapse of the Giraldo (bell tower).  It has since undergone further face-lifts, including the restoration of the organs and windows.

In the eighteenth century Carlos IV forbade the production of textiles in the area as it was seen as competition to the Royal Tapestry Factory and as a result Cuenca’s economy declined and the population diminished.

The city suffered further destruction during the Napoleonic independence war and only started to recover with the arrival of railroads and the timber industry in the nineteenth century.

Unfortunately the first decades of the twentieth century were troublesome and there was much poverty in the area and the population declined further.  The church was attacked and many monks, nuns and priests were killed.  In 1938 the city was captured by General Franco’s troops. 

Recovery began slowly from 1960 as population and economy improved, thanks to better road networks and tourism.

In 1996, Cuenca was declared a World Heritage site and due to improved cultural infrastructures has applied for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2016.

There are a number of churches and buildings of note inside the city walls, including ‘Las Casas Colgadas’ (the hanging houses).  These houses were built over a rock above the Huecar’s River gorge in the 15th century.  There are a few remaining examples of this type of building that now house a restaurant and a museum.

The original St Paul’s Bridge was constructed over the gorge between 1533 and 1589 to link the old city with St Pauls convent.  It was rebuilt in 1902 and stands up to 60 metres high and is supported by the remains of the old bridge.

There is a wide range of traditional cuisine in the area due to its geographic position and the landscape.  Dishes to try include ajo arriero (cod cooked with eggs and garlic), lamb, partridge, trout, La Mancha sheep’s cheese and for dessert alajú (figs, almonds and honey). 

This can be washed down with local La Mancha wines and at the end of the meal sample a glass of resoli, a drink very good for the digestion, made from coffee, mountain spring water, orange essence, sugar and cinnamon.