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Cuenca (day 8)
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superb roads, breathtaking scenery and at our journey's end, the incredible,
historic city of Cuenca with its houses hanging precariously over the gorge.
The ride from Requena to Cuenca is out of this world (well, the way that we go is). It really left a lasting impression on us, it is truly, without exaggeration, unforgettable. The rock formations that rise at the side of the road are awe-inspiring. The road winds as negotiate the red canyons which cut a swathe through this part of Spain.
We'll stop for refreshment at one of the pretty, stone villages which we pass through. In one of these villages, there's a bar with a sign on the wall explaining the hours of opening; it reads 'We open when we arrive, we close when we leave and if we're closed when you arrive, it's because we saw you coming.' We nipped in there quick before they could see us approaching. We take it steady through this landscape so that we can appreciate how lucky we are to be alive.
And when we reach our destination we have the enchanting medieval city of Cuenca, declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO, and surrounded by landscapes of incredible beauty. Among the town's most remarkable sights are the famous "Hanging Houses", the Gothic cathedral and the Museum of Abstract Art. In its surroundings there are several fantastic natural preserves, among them Ciudad Encantada, the "enchanted city", where erosion has created most bizarre forms. The 'Hanging House' in the top photo is actually 'The Museo de Arte Abstracto'. If you visit their gift shop, you can stand on the balcony and feel dizzy. We'll have to keep an eye on Thoughtful Mark here.
The Cathedral of Cuenca was built in the early 13th Century on the site of a former mosque. The facade had to be rebuilt in the early 20th Century after the collapse of the Giraldillo Tower. The interior is a blend of various styles and it contains a series of 16th and 17th Century chapels. There are modern stained glass windows. The Episcopal Palace has been added to the cathedral and it contains a small museum. It stands in a delightful square littered with bars and cafes.
It's a wonderful city and the road leading to it is wonderful. That's all!
Tonight we park our bikes in an underground car park