| The history of Cuenca is one of the richest in Spain, | | | | relatively new (an 18th century gem). To view a |
| where traces of the Iron Age have surfaced through | | | | satisfying showing of period furniture and various |
| the remains of various burial grounds. Important | | | | works of art, the local San Pablo Convent is a 4-star, |
| Roman settlements, such as the ones found at | | | | state-run hotel that dates back to the 16th century. |
| Saelices and Valeria have also been located in Cuenca. | | | | The villages in Cuenca also unfold to reveal an |
| The city also serves as the site where the Roman | | | | interesting history. Alarcon is a well-preserved, walled |
| Conca was established, which later became a | | | | village with a medieval past. It is here that a castle |
| territory ruled by the Visigoths, followed by the | | | | and collection of impressive churches are positioned, |
| Moors, until liberation came by the hands of Alfonso | | | | where Don Juan Manuel was able to pen most of his |
| VIII in 1177. It was from then on that Cuenca would | | | | works. The hill on which the village thrives upon is |
| enjoy the unique rights as a frontier town, eventually | | | | thought inhabited since prehistoric times. After the |
| becoming the headquarters of the knightly Order of | | | | Romans conquered the land, the Arabs converted it |
| Santiago. | | | | into a fortress, which was later taken back by |
| Today, the history of Cuenca, Spain is captured in | | | | Alfonso VIII. In Belmonte, an assortment of |
| the many attractions and intriguing sites from the | | | | well-preserved churches, palaces, and convents hailing |
| past that are scattered about the land. The | | | | from between the 15th to 17th century reside. |
| Cathedral, located in Plaza Mayor, dates back to 1177, | | | | Additional historic points of interest in Cuenca include |
| and displays the allure of several different periods of | | | | the town of Huerte (with Roman, Visigothic, Arab |
| architecture. Another worthy chapel called the | | | | and Christian ties) and the Mancha town of San |
| Palcacio Episcopal dates back to the 13th century. | | | | Clementa (established in the 12th century by Catholic |
| While the Cathedral is rather historic, the Town Hall is | | | | Monarchs). |