Sightseeing in Cuenca Town - what to see. Complete travel guide
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The first settlement in the area between the Jucar and Huecar rivers appeared yet during the pre-Roman times. Ancient Romans liked the beneficial location of this area that gave them a strategic advantage, and so they built a garrison here. Arabs conquered the region at the beginning of the 8th century. They called the area Kuvenka. Cattle breeding, weaving, and wool production started developing in the region. Residents of Cordoba introduced the art of crafting from ivory to the people of Kuvenka. These occupations remained the main sources of income for the town for ten centuries. The town was growing, and many beautiful mansions, churches, and schools appeared in it.
Start your acquaintance with the main sights of Cuenca with a visit to a fabulous historic landmark – the Castle of Belmonte. The gorgeous castle is located in Belmonte, a village not far from Cuenca. Don Juan Pacheco, first Marquis de Villena, ordered to build the fabulous building. The castle has retained its original look until modern times. The construction of the castle started in the 50s of the 15th century. King Henry IV of Castile was hiding his daughter, Joanna la Beltraneja, in this castle as there were gossips about the legitimacy of the child. Juan Pacheco didn’t finish the castle. When he died, the Castle of Belmonte remained unfinished.
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Did you enjoy a walk in the halls of the Castle of Belmonte? In this case, visit one more gorgeous castle situated in this region – the Castle of Alarcon. This is no less beautiful and old building. Water surrounds the castle from three sides. According to local legends, the first fortress of the site of the castle appeared yet during the reign of Alaric II, the King of the Visigoths. Nowadays, the marvelous castle is open to the general public. Don’t forget to get to the top of the castle in order to see a fantastic view of the area.
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It would be a mistake not to mention Ciudad Encantada or the Enchanted City. This spectacular natural landmark definitely deserves a visit. The Enchanted City is located in the mountains near Cuenca. Beautiful pine forests surround the area. For centuries, winds, water, and carbon dioxide caused erosion of soft sedimentary formations. They formed stone statues with shapes similar to animals, household items, etc. There is even a stone that looks like a human face.
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Having arrived in Madrid, tourists can get to Cuenca by train. The journey lasts roughly two and a half hours. It is also possible to get to Cuenca from Valencia. The ride will be three and a half hours in this case. Finally, there are buses that connect Cuenca and Madrid. The time spent on the bus will be just the same as the train ride.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Cuenca Town and surroundings
Reference information
Survived castles around Cuenca Town
♥ Castle 'Tower Mangana' , 1.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castle of La Hinojosa' , 47.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castle of Alarcón' Cuenca, 58.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castle of Uclés' , 62.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castle of Puebla de Almenara' , 67.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Tower Mangana' , 1.1 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Tower Mangana](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Castle 'Castle of La Hinojosa' , 47.4 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Castle of La Hinojosa](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Castle 'Castle of Alarcón' Cuenca, 58.4 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Castle of Alarcón](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Castle 'Castle of Uclés' , 62.6 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Castle of Uclés](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Castle 'Castle of Puebla de Almenara' , 67.6 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Castle of Puebla de Almenara](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
National and city parks around Cuenca Town
♥ Natural Park 'Serrania de Cuenca' , 30.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Natural Park 'Alto Tajo' , 69.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Natural Park 'Hoces del Cabriel' , 80.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Natural Park 'Puebla de San Miguel' , 86.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Natural Park 'Chera-Sot de Chera' , 113 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Natural Park 'Serrania de Cuenca' , 30.4 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Serrania de Cuenca](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Natural Park 'Alto Tajo' , 69.5 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Alto Tajo](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Natural Park 'Hoces del Cabriel' , 80.7 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Hoces del Cabriel](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Natural Park 'Puebla de San Miguel' , 86.1 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Puebla de San Miguel](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Natural Park 'Chera-Sot de Chera' , 113 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Chera-Sot de Chera](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
Sightseeing in Spain: things to see
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Search touristic sites on the map of Cuenca Town
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