Cuenca: Hanging Houses and Abstract Art
Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
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225
XP
+100 Spain
= 325 total
1 day
Cuenca: Hanging Houses and Abstract Art
225 + 100 XP
Cuenca is built on a spit of rock between two river gorges with nowhere to expand, so it built outwards over the edge — the Casas Colgadas hang off the cliff above the Huécar on wooden balconies, which is a 15th-century solution to a housing shortage. In 1966 Fernando Zóbel put the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art inside them, which turned out to be an inspired pairing, and the old town went onto the World Heritage list in 1996. The cathedral is claimed as the first Gothic in Spain, built with Anglo-Norman influence.
Required Activities
1
of 4
Walk to the Casas Colgadas, the 15th-century hanging houses overlooking the gorge of the Huécar
2
of 4
Visit the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art in the Casas Colgadas, established in 1966 by Fernando Zóbel
3
of 4
Visit Cuenca Cathedral, known as the first Gothic cathedral in Spain thanks to Anglo-Norman influence
4
of 4
Walk the old town on its narrow escarpment between the Júcar and Huécar rivers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996
Walk to the Casas Colgadas, the 15th-century hanging houses overlooking the gorge of the Huécar
Visit the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art in the Casas Colgadas, established in 1966 by Fernando Zóbel
Visit Cuenca Cathedral, known as the first Gothic cathedral in Spain thanks to Anglo-Norman influence
Walk the old town on its narrow escarpment between the Júcar and Huécar rivers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996
Before you go
The old town is a steep climb from the new town; there is a bus. The gorge paths are exposed.
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About Castilla-La Mancha
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Challenge Location
XP Breakdown
Challenge XP
225 XP
Spain country bonus
+100 XP
Potential total
325 XP
Country bonus earned on completion of your first challenge in Spain.
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