Lying between the Júcar and Huécar gorges, the historic quarter of Cuenca is the base for this visit. Attractions like the famous hanging houses (Casas Colgadas) that balance atop the vertiginous cliffs, and the cathedral demand a visit when you have plenty of time. 

A curious feature of the cathedral is that it was built in the Norman gothic style, reflecting the origins of the wife of Alfonso VIII of Castile. In addition to its architecture and traditions, Cuenca offers some interesting cultural options for relaxation or an enjoyable family visit. There are plenty of reasons for its candidature as European capital of culture in 2016.

Very unusual urban architecture   

The Hanging Houses   are a group of three fifteenth-century civil buildings. Recently restored, and situated next to the Huécar Gorge, they have given the city its worldwide fame. From there you get the best view of the imposing 100 meter long San Pablo Bridge, made of iron in 1902. At the foot of the bridge is the parador, an old Dominican convent also dedicated to St Paul. 

The cloister has been covered with a glass roof and today the old chapel is a unique cafeteria that both couples and families will enjoy. Also of note is the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, which houses one of the best collections of contemporary art in Spain in one of the Casas Colgadas. It is notable for works by Millares and Tàpies. The Juan March Foundation organises talks and art courses there from September to June. 

A city with Christian, Arab and Jewish history 

A visit to Cuenca's Jewish quarter begins behind the Casas Colgadas in the Plaza Mayor and continues to the Anteplaza, which marked the start of the Arab alcázar that has long since disappeared. Instead we find the Convento de las Blancas there today. The stairs to one side lead to the Plaza de la Merced, the former home of the Calced Mercedarians, which has some places of interest like the church and the convent of the same name . Calle Zapaterías all the way to Calle de Alfonso VIII, and Santa Catalina mark the end of the walk. Next door, in the Church of Santa Cruz, there is a permanent exhibition of local crafts.

A science museum in the old town 

Among a group of buildings dating from the 18th to the 19th centuries, built on medieval remains and very close to the Jewish quarter, the  Science Museum of Castilla-La Mancha provides an introduction to the mysteries of the universe. A visit to its planetarium is a must if you are travelling with your family. Some of the museum's activities, like the recent International Sundial Conference, have left their mark on the city, such as the sundial in Plaza Taiyo, built expressly for the occasion. With a shaft measuring 6.72 metres and a surface area of over seven hundred square metres, it is the biggest in the world.

Backdrop to a fairy tale 

Seventeen kilometres from Cuenca, in Valdecabras, the Ciudad Encantada, or Enchanted City, is an excursion that undoubtedly complements any visit. A Natural Site of National Interest in the heart of the Cuenca mountain range, this “city” is formed by limestone rocks that have been eroded over thousands of years. Wind, water and ice have sculpted the rock to create some surprising and spectacular art forms. A guided tour gives you the chance to discover the various formations, named after different animals and objects and symbolised by the Torno Alto (tall winch). 

Suggestions on where to eat 

Ajoarriero and morteruelo are two typical Cuenca dishes. The former is made with almonds and garlic, while the latter is a stew containing pig's liver, spices and bread crumbs crushed in a mortar. These dishes and others made with crab are available at famous restaurants such as Mesón Casas Colgadas (Recommended by the Repsol Guide) (Canónigos s/n, Tel.: 969 223 509), housed in one of the famous buildings, or the Figón del Huécar (Ronda Julián Romero 6. Tel: 969 240 062), which has been awarded a Repsol Sun and was the home of the singer José Luis Perales.

  
Acknowledgements: Castilla-La Mancha Institute for the Promotion of Tourism. Cuenca Parador.