Cuenca, Spain: The Cliffside Mountain Town and Hanging Houses

On the way from Madrid to Seville, you will pass through several ancient towns located on the high plains. Typical tours often stop at a few places, such as the ancient city of Toledo and the windmill town of Consuegra. This time, we made a special stop at the less-visited 'cliffside mountain town' of Cuenca. When it comes to Cuenca, the most famous landmark is undoubtedly the 'Hanging Houses' (Casas Colgadas) perched on steep cliffs. The Hanging Houses were once a summer palace for the royal family and have undergone several renovations. In the 18th century, they were transformed into the town hall, and today they serve as an art museum and restaurant, showcasing Spanish abstract art. The houses are built on vertical cliffs that drop down to the river valley below, with balconies extending out over the rock face, creating a stunning visual effect. The town is connected to the outside world by a red steel bridge that spans the gorge, offering great photo opportunities. You can plan a day trip from Madrid or Valencia, or if you want to enjoy a moment of tranquility in the mountain town, you can choose to stay overnight at the Parador de Cuenca, a state-run hotel.