Madrid to Cuenca: Day Trip Review of Hanging Houses & Cathedral

Okay, so you are thinking of heading from Madrid to Cuenca for a full day? I get it. The allure of those famed Hanging Houses and that impressive Cathedral is, that it’s quite hard to resist. But, is it worth the trip? And, what do you really need to know to make the most of your precious time? Let me walk you through what you need to get prepared. Very quickly, here’s my experience, insights, plus a few bits and pieces, or, suggestions to, like, help you plan your very adventure.

Getting from Madrid to Cuenca

Very first thing, is you have to get there, right? Very fortunately, getting from Madrid to Cuenca is, like, fairly easy. Anyway, the high-speed train, or AVE, is your, maybe, best bet. Often, it’s speedy and rather comfortable. Basically, trains depart from the Puerta de Atocha station in Madrid and get you to Cuenca in about an hour. Very possibly, book your tickets in advance. That’s how, sometimes, you might snag a cheaper fare. And, honestly, that’s especially true during, you know, peak travel times or holidays. Or, in other words, when all the other folks are going! Another possible option, is of course, to drive. I didn’t do this personally, yet some folks may tell you that having a car lets you, I guess, explore the surrounding areas at your very own pace. Even though, do be aware, sometimes parking in Cuenca’s Old Town can be a bit tricky. It could be more or less a complicated thing.

The Iconic Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas)

Arguably, the Hanging Houses are the thing that people come to Cuenca to see. In my view, it’s perfectly correct, and when you see them, I can definitely see why! Leaning right over the Huécar River gorge, these homes are almost history and rather, dare I say, brave architecture that seems to challenge gravity itself. As a matter of fact, inside one of these houses, too it’s almost the Museo de Arte Abstracto Español (Museum of Spanish Abstract Art). Is that you get modern art against this very striking old backdrop. Anyway, if that tickles your fancy, it’s, in my experience, something, to, well, behold. Otherwise, the houses are worth a wander around outside too! We almost found a cool spot and we viewed them from across the gorge. Or, I think it might be the gorge? Is it spectacular, regardless? It’s really a perfect spot for some really amazing photos!

Cuenca Cathedral: A Gothic Marvel

Clearly, Cuenca Cathedral, you know, stands proud in the Plaza Mayor and, you know, is one you absolutely have to visit. By the way, did you know that it’s one of the earliest Gothic cathedrals in Spain? I certainly did not! As a matter of fact, the architecture is really a sight to take in. Then there’s, maybe, the inside! Is it full of really decorative chapels and so on? So too it’s almost that you will take hours taking it all in! Also, in the surrounding Plaza Mayor you might get to experience, and maybe grab, something in, I want to say, one of those quaint cafes that they have there. In particular, is it worth thinking about going on a tour? Sometimes, is that there will be specialized tours for learning all of the stories that come with this aged gem!

Exploring the Old Town (Ciudad Antigua)

Really, Cuenca’s Old Town is that you get lost in streets that are twisting. In the same way, is it full of, I don’t know, historical buildings? Or cobblestone pavements. Meanwhile, I had an idea I did nothing except walk all around, I explored some rather out-of-the-way sections of the place. On the other hand, for instance, the viewpoints that, almost, overlook the Huécar and Júcar rivers provide some gorgeous sights. Right, be certain that you bring that camera. On top of that, you’ve really also got the Museo de Cuenca. Sometimes, you know, local archaeology and, uhm, fine arts come here! Now, very personally I skipped it due to time constraints, but I hear it’s worthwhile stopping in at that specific museum if that tends to be something up your alley.

Food and Drink: Tasting Cuenca

Or, let me give you one good thing in particular, tasting the regional food in Cuenca should really also be at the forefront of the trip you’re taking! Usually, I eat as much grub as I, uh, can? Or, just a lot. Anyway, I tried the local dishes at, just a bit, a selection of, maybe you could even say cute places? And I have some bits of suggestions! Maybe you might check out Morteruelo, it’s, that is, kind of a paté which, typically, incorporates pork liver and spices. Actually, it’s more delicious than it sounds, and that tends to be saying something. Another possible, or perhaps delightful option is Ajoarriero, as a matter of fact, which consists of, you know, cod blended up with garlic and, uhm, potatoes. Also, I do not overlook Alajú either! Sometimes that one will include almonds, that, right there, honey, and, furthermore, sometimes it’s spiced up with, like, saffron! Also, you will also often find that, very like other Spanish cities. Many places offer tapas, as a matter of fact. It gives you that very choice to attempt, like, a little of anything and anything. Typically, you pair any and all things with nearby Castilla-La Mancha area vino for what is likely one very real experience.

Tips for a Great Day Trip

Very first, don’t overlook comfortable shoes since, you know, Cuenca involves plenty of, say, hiking! Also, is it going to be very hot depending upon once you visit? As a matter of fact, just to remain hydrated, transport liquids that are plentiful and that is usually good! In general, know too that certain attractions have certain times of operating and for that reason in particular get details. And it’s a great concept for calling. By the way, you should not simply, just to save an excessive amount, jump the railway that can and will be on the up and up end that is definitely top; it’s faster that any way when contrasted to the transport. It just could make any full, complete moment. If this kind of you might be like your photography and videography which We and you truly think many you perform subsequently it’s worthwhile just a little to see by yourself. You happen to be granted that bit for considerably more place and in the way an adaptable timeline to, uhm, travel.

Other Things To Do

There are definitely things aside the principal factors within the metropolis it seems you want to attempt! For example, can I declare The Bridge of San Pablo? Seriously, is it traversing Huécar gorge? Right now, can I actually, like, just note that one provides views as the air just in the market! Is it possible so it will be really only designed for anyone to not really have a, umm, perhaps so they haven’t any fear to find height by and large; very possibly might the, might be a somewhat daunting for lots of to get along at all. Now you would even also get one Enchanted City, which has been just, so much it happens to be an all-natural rock that formation that really just outside. Okay and so you will notice that Convento de San Pablo you simply won’t you to visit and take note considering parador’s motel.