Historic Walled Town of Cuenca

Built by the Moors in a defensive position at the heart of the Caliphate of Córdoba, Cuenca is an unusually well-preserved medieval fortified city. Conquered by the Castilians in the twelfth century, it became a royal town and bishopric endowed with important buildings, such as Spain's first Gothic cathedral, and the famous casas colgadas (hanging houses), suspended from sheer cliffs overlooking the Huécar River. Taking full advantage of its location, the city towers above the magnificent countryside.

Criteria (ⅱ), (ⅲ): The site has preserved its original townscape remarkably intact along with many excellent examples of religious and secular architecture from the twelfth to the eighteenth centuries. It is also exceptional because the walled town blends into and enhances the fine rural and natural landscape within which it is situated.

Country: Spain
Location: Autonomous Community of Castile-La Mancha
Coordinates: N 39° 52′ 0.8″, W 4° 1′ 45.9”
Inscription year: 1986
Inscription Criteria: ⅱ, ⅲ