Many times we encourage you to discover other countries in Europe and the rest of the planet, but the truth is that you do not need to leave Spain to discover wonderful places. In fact, all the provinces of Spain hide places that are worth visiting. For example, in Cuenca , Castilla-La Mancha, we can discover such incredible places as its capital, whose fortified historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or its varied landscapes, which are full of contrasts. In fact, here you can find everything from the classic La Mancha plain to mountainous areas.
One of the most surprising corners of Cuenca is the Enchanted City , a natural park of calcareous rock formations reminiscent of human figures, animals and objects. Would you like to know this wonderful place more thoroughly? Well, we recommend that you be very attentive to what we tell you below!
The action of wind, water and ice
The Enchanted City is located near Valdecabras , a town that is considered a pedestrian neighborhood of Cuenca. Specifically, it is located in a large area of pine forests in the Cuenca mountains, 1,500 meters above sea level. Declared a Natural Site of National Interest at the end of the 30s, the place has acquired this unique landscape over the centuries thanks to the action of water, wind and ice. The origin of the Enchanted City dates back to 90 million years ago, when it was part of the bottom of the Sea of Thetis. At the end of the Cretaceous, the sea receded and the seabed rose to the surface. The fact that the rock formations have such uneven shapes is due to the heterogeneity of their morphology, chemical composition and degree of hardness.
The curious rock formations
As we have mentioned, what is most surprising about this place are the forms that the calcareous rock formations have acquired. Although it is quite easy to find the resemblance of each one of them, signs have been placed with the name of each of the rocks. During the signposted route, which stretches for 3 kilometers and can be done in an hour and a half, you will find such interesting figures as "The boats", "The dog", "Man’s face", "The slide", "Sea of stone", "The seal", "The Roman bridge", "Fighting the crocodile elephant", "Mushrooms", "Theater", "The turtle", "The bears"; "Adriana’s face", "The lovers of Teruel" and "El Convento". Special mention should be made of the “Tormo alto”, which is right at the entrance. Apparently, this was the place where the Hispanic leader Viriato was cremated.
Flora and fauna
On the other hand, we want to comment that, beyond its surprising karst formations, the place is home to lapiaces, streams and sinkholes. You should also know that here you can enjoy an interesting fauna and flora. Thus, you will be able to find animals such as the blue tit, the fox, the robin, the deer, the ocellated lizard, the marten and the black redstart. As for the flora, species such as the black pine, the juniper, the snack bar, the barberry, the doradilla, the yew, the blackthorn and the virgin’s slippers stand out.
Located in a private estate
It is important that you bear in mind that this natural park is located on a private estate, so to access it you have to pay 5 euros. Of course, it is open throughout the year. Although the route is simple, it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, wheelchairs and trolleys. Then we leave you with our gallery , where you will find more images of the wonderful Enchanted City of Cuenca. Do not miss it!
