There are people who call “Las Casas Colgadas” in Cuenca “Las Casas Colgantes”, but it is a mistake to call them so because they are not hanging houses, they are hanging houses. Although the words are similar there is a big difference in it. Although the history is not very clear to know the origin of this type of houses, there are those who believe that they are of Muslim origin while others affirm that they are of medieval origin.
Centuries ago, this type of construction was frequently seen in Cuenca, but today only three hanging houses are known in the entire territory of Cuenca.. These houses are built on a cliff, and they give the feeling that they are going to fall at any moment, although it is not like that.
You can find the Casa de la Sirena and the two Casas de Rey or Casas de los Reyes, which were built between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries and were renovated in the twentieth century so that their majesty can continue to be evident in Cuenca for much longer without danger of collapsing or deteriorating too much to access them.
At present these houses house the Museum of Abstract Art and a restaurant, and they really continue to be the most photographed places by visitors when they have the pleasure of going to Cuenca to visit this wonderful land in Spain.
The Hanging Houses of Cuenca
The Hanging Houses of Cuenca, that is the authentic name of this wonder, and not "hanging houses" as many mistakenly call them. An impressive vision, even when what we see in this city today is only a small part of what it was in its day, when there were hundreds of houses in Cuenca literally leaning into the abyss.
That must have been a unique show that today we can only see in a reduced version. Almost all those houses hanging on the Cuenca cliffs were destroyed. There are only three left today, three magnificent examples of this unusual and impressive architecture.
Two of these houses, the so-called Houses of the King, they house in equal parts the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art where numerous sculptures and paintings by various Spanish artists of the abstract generation of the 50s and 60s are exhibited; the third of them, the Mermaid's House, offers other types of works of art, those that are cooked in the kitchen of its famous restaurant, considered one of the best in the province. If it is about getting closer to the local gastronomy of Cuenca, where better than in the Hanging Houses?
No one knows for sure what the origin of the Hanging Houses is. The most widespread theory is that they were built by the Muslims of Al Andalus, although there is no evidence to confirm it. What is certain is that from its bacones you can enjoy the best views of the Hoz del Huécar, where the famous Parador de Cuenca is located.
How to access "The Hanging Houses"
It is possible that once you have reached this point you are curious to know how to access these beautiful houses with a special touch that makes them unique in the world. First you must organize a trip to Cuenca that depending on where you are in the world you will have to organize it in one way or another and Find a good nearby hotel to stay and be able to tour the city, something that will certainly not disappoint you.
If you want to see the houses from very close, you should go to the old city of Cuenca. It is easily recognizable because you can see how it is in the highest part of the territory. To get there you must access the Bridge of San Pablo. This bridge is nothing more than a metal footbridge that is built on the ruins of a stone bridge. This stone bridge was the one used by the ancestors of the Cuenca people to access this part of the city, something that undoubtedly gives this place a magical touch every time people pass through this place. Once you pass this bridge, getting to the houses is easy since you only have to go through the city until you reach them.
Enjoy the city of Cuenca
But if you are not from the city and you are going to visit this area of the city on purpose and you stay in a hotel to spend a few days, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a few days of tourism in the city of Cuenca because you will not be disappointed.
In addition to "The Hanging Houses" you have many places to go to discover all that this city has to offer. Below I will only give you some examples, but you can access the city tourism website and find out about hotels, places to eat and above all, places that you cannot forget to visit.
- Cathedral. The cathedral is a great place to visit where you can enjoy great architectural contributions.
- Castle. Although not much remains of the Arab wall and the Christian fortress, it is worth visiting to appreciate its beauty and all its history.
- Socorro Hill. If you want to enjoy incredible views, you will not be able to miss a visit to this lookout in the city, located at the top. It is reached through the Palomera road.
And of course you will not be able to forget to walk through its streets and neighborhoods, contemplating its houses, the colors, the shops, meeting its people and enjoying its gastronomy. If you go to Cuenca you will realize that it is an incredibly beautiful place that is worth visiting. And if you go to visit both “Las Casas Colgadas” and any other part of Cuenca and its surroundings, you should know for sure that you will want to return again. Because it is a charming city that makes you fall in love and that of course will not leave you indifferent. So if you want to get to know the city, don't think twice and start organizing the trip with your friends, family or even by yourself… you won't regret it!