Cuenca Cathedral Church

Address: Plaza Mayor, 16001 Cuenca, Cuenca, Spain

Cuenca Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María y San Julián) is the principal medieval cathedral in the city of Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha, with construction phases dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. It occupies a prominent position on the city’s main square and forms part of Cuenca’s historic hilltop ensemble.

Architecturally it shows Romanesque and Gothic elements and is closely sited near the city’s famous hanging houses and gorge crossings. The cathedral has served as the city’s main seat of the bishopric since the medieval period.

The cathedral stands in central Cuenca overlooking the Húecar gorge and is part of the city’s compact medieval core, a short walk from the Casas Colgadas and the Puente de San Pablo.

• Medieval cathedral: Located on Cuenca’s Plaza Mayor, the cathedral dates mainly from the medieval period and is a prominent feature of the town’s historic centre.

Cuenca’s cathedral lies in the historical center-walkable from the city’s bus station in under 15 minutes. By car, access via Calle Carretería and follow signs to Plaza Mayor; parking is limited in the old town.

• Climb the cathedral's bell tower for a view over the walled city-photography is especially good in late afternoon light.
• Look for the 12th-century Mozarabic influences in the plan and the mixture of Gothic and Romanesque elements that betray centuries of reconstruction.
• Check mass times before visiting if wishing to enter the choir or attend special services.