Cuenca

Medieval history & architecture

Experience Cuenca and the Enchanted City with an expert local guide on this full-day tour. We leave the center of Madrid in the direction of Cuenca. We will make a brief stop along the way to go to the toilet or have breakfast. On the way to the Enchanted City we will stop at the Devil's Window, a well-known viewpoint with amazing views. We will complete a guided walk through the Enchanted City, a place where erosion has generated magical figures in the limestone rock. We will go to the city of Cuenca to stop for lunch in the Barrio del Castillo. We will descend on foot with our guide to visit the most emblematic corners and numerous monuments of the medieval center of the city. Finally we will arrive at the San Pablo Bridge, from where we will admire the Hanging Houses and say goodbye to this magical city. In this tour option we do not visit the cathedral. You can do it on your own in free time for lunch

Take a tour of Cuenca and experience its historic sites and stunning location with a Spanish-speaking guide. Perched on a natural rock, whose slopes descend into deep gorges of the Júcar and Huécar rivers, the city is often referred to as the "Eagle's Nest" and the old town is a great example of unbelievable architecture. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Cuenca is an undiscovered gem of Spain, full of dramatic "Hanging Houses" and splendid ecclesiastical architecture. Take a stroll through the old town and discover the secrets of the main monuments. Travel back in time along the narrow streets and marvel at the hanging buildings. Get an insight into the local lifestyle and history along the way. Then, get the chance to look inside the 12th-century cathedral, ENTRANCE FEE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. It was built between 1182 and 1270 in the Gothic style, and altered several times during the Renaissance and 18th century. (6 people minimum required to add extra time in the Cathedral)

Gasp at the storybook landscapes of Cuenca, located in between two gorges, which create unique sceneries. Enjoy an evening stroll through the steep medieval streets on a walking trip with a professional guide and get to know all the historic landmarks of the city. Discover one of the most beautiful Spanish old towns and see the original fortress, built between two limestone canyons dug by the Huecar and Júcar rivers. Admire the facade of the first Gothic-style cathedral built in Spain and walk inside to take in the ornate decorations. Watch the characteristic 'hanging houses' light up at night, creating a mystical cityscape. Learn about their unique suspended structure, dating back to the 14th century.

Discover the UNESCO World-Heritage listed city of Cuenca in one day with the tourist train stopping at the city’s most important monuments. Head out on a route that totals approximately 45 minutes. Take a ride on the tourist train leaving from Plaza Mayor (the main square), before making its way to historic sites such as the San Julián Park, the Gothic-style Cuenca Cathedral and the famous Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) on the banks of the Huecar River. You will also have the chance of visit the castle quarter. Enrich your visit with an audioguide providing explanations of the legends surrounding Cuenca’s landmarks. Listen through free headphones to the guide available in 5 languages: Spanish, French, English, German and Italian.

Lose yourself in the ancient streets of Cuenca on a full-day guided trip from Madrid. Marvel at the colorful hanging houses, step inside the stunning Cuenca Cathedral, and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Start your day at Plaza del Conde in the morning and board your tour bus. Take in the scenery as you ride into the Castilla La Mancha region. Make a stop at a wine cellar for a short break before continuing to Cuenca. Upon arrival in Cuenca, embark on a guided visit to the cathedral and clerestory. Continue to the colorful Hanging Houses and Museum of Abstract Art. Learn about the sights with commentary provided by your guide. Next, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. Then, rejoin the group and take a panoramic tour along the Huécar River that will lead you under the cliffs and up to the highest part of the city, El Barrio del Castillo. Descend on foot, exploring the most beautiful corners and monuments of the city's medieval quarter, before arriving at the Parador, where the bus will be waiting for you. Sit back and relax on a smooth return transfer to Madrid in the evening.

Explore the remarkably intact townscape of Cuenca on a night-time walking tour. See the medieval buildings of Plaza Mayor stacked on 2 deep river gorges. Walk through narrow winding streets and cross the San Pablo bridge to admire tall houses with wooden balconies hanging over the sheer cliffs.  Follow your guide through a network of cobbled streets while listening to the history and legends of this medieval fortress town. Enjoy the impressive views of the Júcar and Huécar gorges, passing by the most emblematic corners of Cuenca's old town. Arrive at Plaza Mayor to look at the two most iconic monuments in the town – the arcaded Town Hall and the Cuenca Cathedral. Marvel at the old-looking facade rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1902 with a magnificent Renaissance doorway.  Finally, head to the San Pablo bridge area. Get on this iron and wood footbridge that crosses the Huécar River to get the best views of the hanging houses of Cuenca – an emblem of the town – that look even more stunning at night in the floodlights.

IMPORTANT: * From February 27th to April 21st 2024: - Mornings from 10h00 to 14h00 - Afternoons from 16h00 to 19h00 - Mondays CLOSED - Except Monday 25th March and 1st April (open as usual). - Special Easter Week opening hours (from 28th to 31st March April) - from 10h00 to 14h00 and 16h00 to 20h00. * From 23 April to 22 September 2024: - Mornings from 10h00 to 14h00. - Afternoons from 16h30 to 20h30. - Mondays: CLOSED - except all Mondays in August (OPEN from 10h00 to 14h30 and from 16h30 to 20h30). - Closed in the AFTERNOON (open only in the mornings): 22 and 29 June / 13 and 20 July. *From 24 September 2024 to 6 January 2025: Mornings from 10h00 to 14h00 Afternoons from 15h30 to 18h30 - Mondays CLOSED. - CLOSED December 25th 2024 and January 1st 2025. - CLOSED in the AFTERNOON (from 15h30 to 18h30): December 24th. *From January 7th to March 4th 2025: - Tuesday to Friday: Mornings from 11h00 to 14h00 Afternoons CLOSED - Weekends: Mornings from 10h00 to 14h00 Afternoons from 15h30 to 18h30 - Mondays CLOSED Last ticket sale 45 minutes before closing time Recommended visit: Castle 1h00-1h30 (fast 45min) and Trebuchet Park 45min-1h00 (fast 30min). If you have any doubts, please contact with the monument. -> Download the audio guide here: https://www.audioguiame.com/aplicacion-castillos-y-palacios-de-espana/ This tour provides access to all spaces that can be visited within the Castle: • Walled Enclosure and Parade Ground: After going through the drawbridge entry at the field gate, we continue through the battle ground and reach the pentagonal parade ground. Enjoy the neo-Gothic restoration of the two pavilions within the parade ground and the water well, visit the reception hall with a large-screen tour Introduction Film (12 min) to the castle and its most popular personalities, then continue through the armoury with 15th-century armour replicas and dungeons below ground. • The Rooms: Discover both the medieval palace and the Empress, Eugenia de Montijo, residence, The Ambassador Hall of Mudejar fabric, the latrine and the balcony facing the parade ground. The lovely Gothic Mudejar coffered ceilings and the medieval bestiary are remarkable. • The Ramparts: Explore the ramparts amidst battlements and enjoy the sightseeing from any of the 6 accessible towers.

Join us in a unique experience as we take you to discover two of the most captivating treasures of Spain We will start in Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage City, famous for its hanging houses and impressive rocky landscapes. You will walk through its cobbled streets, admire the majesty of its Cathedral and contemplate the Huécar river as it meanders through the city. A delight for lovers of architecture and history! Then, we will head towards the Enchanted City, a natural wonder that will leave you speechless. You will discover a surreal place where erosion has created incredible rock formations that resemble fantasy figures and beings. It's like stepping into a fairy tale and a unique opportunity to take stunning photos and create lasting memories. Are you ready for an unforgettable experience? Book now and join us on this exciting trip to Cuenca and the Enchanted City!

Departure from Madrid: Start your day early, with a departure from Madrid to make the most of the day in Cuenca. The drive takes approximately two hours. Arrival in Cuenca: Upon arrival, head straight to the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Casas Colgadas: Your first stop should be the iconic Casas Colgadas, medieval constructions that seem to defy gravity as they are suspended over the edge of a cliff. Take the opportunity to take spectacular photos and visit the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, located in one of these houses. San Pablo Bridge: Cross the impressive San Pablo Bridge, which offers panoramic views of the Huécar River and the gorges surrounding the city. This iron bridge is one of the most emblematic places to capture the essence of Cuenca. Lunch in the old town: Enjoy the local gastronomy in one of the charming restaurants in the old town. Try typical dishes such as morteruelo, ajoarriero or zarajo, accompanied by a good Manchego wine. Cuenca Cathedral: After lunch, visit the Cathedral of Santa María and San Julián, an impressive example of Gothic architecture. Don't miss the cloister and the Sagrario Chapel. Mangana Tower: Climb up to the Mangana Tower, a medieval tower that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. It is an ideal place to learn more about the history of Cuenca. Museo de Cuenca: If time permits, explore the Museo de Cuenca, where you can learn more about the history and archaeology of the region, with interesting exhibits ranging from prehistoric to medieval times. Farewell to Cuenca: End your day with a relaxing stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and nighttime views. Return to Madrid: Set off on your return journey to Madrid, reflecting on the wonders you discovered in Cuenca and taking with you unforgettable memories of this charming city.

We will leave at 8:30 a.m. from the Plaza del Conde de Casal, Madrid, escorted by our guide. Our first stop will be in Segóbriga. One of the most important Roman cities in the center of Spain, in which some of its most characteristic parts are still preserved, such as the forum, the baths, the theater and the amphitheatre. We will continue our tour by visiting one of the most unique attractions in the area, the Lapis Specularis Mines. The Romans extracted here this ore, which they used as crystal, and they distributed it throughout their empire, creating great wealth in the area. Afterwards, we will give you free time to have lunch in the city of Cuenca. We will end our tour with a guided visit to the Mosaics of the Roman Villa of Noheda. This villa hosts the largest mosaics of the Roman Empire found until today, with almost 300 square meters of extension. At the end of the visit we will begin our way back to Madrid, where we will arrive at roughly 19:30hrs Archaeological park of Segobriga. One of the most important traces of the Roman world. This city was the economical and trading ground control for the mines where they obatined the Lapis Specularis, also known as Hispania’s Crystal, allowing its economical peak and its monumental developement starting in the times of Augustus. It is one of the best examples of a Roman city in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, center of lapis specularis mining, true engine of growth of this region in the times of the Romans, which reflects in an obvious way in the city’s urban design. There were only 7 Roman cities in Spain that had a theatre an amphitheatre and a circus, and Segobriga is one of them. We will be thrilled b yan ancient Roman theater and we will step on the arena of a real amphitheatre, followed by the visit of the public baths. Lapis Specularis mines. Hispania’s Crystal, in Saceda del Río district. In small groups of approximately ten people, our guide will bring to a context the value this material gave to this region long time ago. An authentic Roman mine to analyze, in a very visual way, the means and the techniques used in these spaces, lighting, working process, etc. These mines are located in an unmatched natural space, making of this visit the perfect blend between a nature excursion and a historical visit. The Roman Villa of Noheda. This luxurious Roman Villa from IV Century AD, known as the Spanish Pompei, hosts the largest Roman mosaic in the world. At the villa’s triclinium, of 231 square meters, we can find this mosaic unique because of both its dimensions and its state of preservation as well as because of its rich figurative scenes. It is, without a doubt, one of the great wonders on the Roman world. Not in vain declared Katherine Dunbabin, emeritus profesor at Oxford University and one of the world’s greatest experts in mosaics, that it is “the most impressive mosaic she had ever seen along the whole Roman Empire”.