Cuenca Information
The province of Cuenca is one of five provinces within the region of Castilla-La-Mancha, the other four being Guadalajara, Toledo, Albacete and Ciudad Real. The whole area has some of the most historic and beautiful lands within the whole of Spain. Remains of burial grounds dating from the Iron Age have been discovered as well as some major Roman settlements such as those at Saelices and Valeria.
Villages and towns of Cuenca Province
Alarcon
In the south of the province, a walled village built to a medieval
plan and well preserved. The village has four 'must-see' churches
and a castle where Don Juan Manuel wrote most of his works. The
hill where the village is situated seems to have been inhabited
since prehistoric times. It was conquered by the Romans, converted
into a fortress by the Arabs and conquered back by Alfonso VIII.
The enclosing ramparts are one of the best known and most complete
defence systems existing in Spain today. The castle was built
by Alfonso VIII on the site of an earlier Arab castle.
Worthy of a mention in the village is the Don Juan Manuel Square
which is home to the Town Hall and St.John's Church. There are
numerous other historical buildings scattered throughout the village.
Spaning the river are two bridges, both of Arab construction built
on older, Roman ones.
Belmonte
A monumental town of great interest with many, well preserved
architectural gems, not least of all its castle. It was built
by Juan Pacheco in 1456-1470 on the site of an earlier castle
dated 1324. It was restored at one point and used as a private
residence. The walled precinct whose 15th-16th century ramparts
and gates connect the old town with the castle is particularly
well preserved. Belmonte has more than its fair share of churches,
palaces and convents. The hermitage of Nuestra Senora de Gracia,
dated 17th century is certainly worthy of a visit.
Huete
The town has it's roots in the Roman, Visigothic, Arab and Christian
times. The town finally passed into the hands of the Crown in
1476. Huete has conserved a large number of mansions and religious
monuments. In Calle Nueva you will find the Bishop's Palace from
the 18th century, in Calle de las Escuelas, the magnificent ruins
of the church of Our Lady of Atienza can be seen. Other buildings
include several major churches, palaces and the castle, built
on a hill, overlooking the town.
San Clemente
A Mancha town located in the south of the province, on the Mancha
plain. An elegant and noble town where evidence of Roman occupation
has been discovered. The town was founded in the 12th century
by the Catholic Monarchs and shows architecture, well preserved
from the 16th century, such as the Town Hall in Plaza Mayor. If
you walk through the streets you will see that all the churches
and palaces all remain well cared for. Note the two bridges that
cross the Rio Rus.
Cuenca guide
Cuenca
Information |
|