KL's Travelogue: 20120226 Cuence

A world heritage site, most emblematic are casas colgadas – the hanging houses, which cling like swallows’ nests above the deep gorges that surround the town.

It was 5pm when I arrived at Cuenca bus station. Was so lucky to meet this super friendly lady at tourist information kiosk, she provided me all very useful info. We managed to communicate by broken English and sign language. It was my mistake, I didn't research in advance, most of Cuenca sights were closing at 2pm on Sunday, and tomorrow Monday would all be closed.

The local bus hauled me to the old town uphill through narrow zigzagging road. The cheaper hostels were all fully occupied, eventually I set myself at Hospederia de Cuenca, discounted single room price for EUR50. The lodging was tastefully decorated, facing the gorge with superb view, room was the most spacious and most comfortable I had been staying so far.

After checking in, I rushed out immediately to snap the photos of casas colgadas before sunset. Several restaurants and cafés set up their business at this highest point of the old city.

Was so glad that the Fundacion Antonio Perez was open till 8pm. He is a collector, editor and artist. EUR2 for the visit was just a minimal token compared to his huge collection. Collections were good but mostly contemporary and abstract. Not easy to understand.

The night view was fascinating, the long shaky Puente de San Pablo across the gorge was exciting. The gorge was partially illuminated, but the old town centre was too dark for pedestrians.