SPAIN - CUENCA - Catedral (143)
SPAIN - CUENCA
Built by Islamic rulers in a defensive position on the borders of the Caliphate of Cordoba, Cuenca is a remarkably well-preserved medieval walled city. The site is dominated by the upper town, built on the site of the Islamic fortress conquered by the Castilians in the 12th century. It later became a royal and episcopal city with many buildings of great value.
The upper town is full of historic religious buildings from the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, including the 12th-century cathedral, built on the site of the former Great Mosque and the first Gothic cathedral in Spain. Taking full advantage of its position, the town proudly dominates the magnificent landscape that surrounds it.
Also worth mentioning are the hanging houses (casas colgadas). These private houses near the bishop's palace were built at the end of the medieval period on the steep cliffs overlooking the bend in the River Huecar. Most were rebuilt in the 16th century in their current narrow, tall form, with two or three rooms per floor, on three or more floors.
SPAIN - CUENCA - Catedral (143)
SPAIN - CUENCA
Built by Islamic rulers in a defensive position on the borders of the Caliphate of Cordoba, Cuenca is a remarkably well-preserved medieval walled city. The site is dominated by the upper town, built on the site of the Islamic fortress conquered by the Castilians in the 12th century. It later became a royal and episcopal city with many buildings of great value.
The upper town is full of historic religious buildings from the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, including the 12th-century cathedral, built on the site of the former Great Mosque and the first Gothic cathedral in Spain. Taking full advantage of its position, the town proudly dominates the magnificent landscape that surrounds it.
Also worth mentioning are the hanging houses (casas colgadas). These private houses near the bishop's palace were built at the end of the medieval period on the steep cliffs overlooking the bend in the River Huecar. Most were rebuilt in the 16th century in their current narrow, tall form, with two or three rooms per floor, on three or more floors.