The city of Cuenca ranks third in size among the cities of Ecuador and is known as a cultural tourist center. His fame was brought by unusual architectural structures that retained the spirit of the colonial era. It is a historical and cultural center with many temples, churches, museums, squares and parks of extraordinary beauty. In addition to the cultural heritage of the Incas and Spaniards, Cuenca is famous for the sights of the surroundings in the form of magnificent natural parks with unique flora and fauna, ancient ruins and hot springs where you can pamper yourself with various curative and spa treatments.
The religious heritage of the city of Cuenca
Residents of Cuenca are Catholics (95% of the population) and are very proud of their church heritage.
The church of El Sagrario (Old Cathedral) is by right one of the most ancient buildings and in colonial times was the main religious center of the city. It was built in 1557, but suffered several restorations - in the XIX and XX centuries. The building is built of stones that remained from the destroyed Inca temple, located in the town of Tomebamba.
The cathedral of La Inmaculada (Monumental New Cathedral) is known as the main symbol of religious architecture. The building was a real work of art, combining elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque styles. This building, famous for its unusual blue domes of very large dimensions, has become a visiting card of the city of Cuenca. A feature of the building is a golden altar of gigantic proportions.
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The Church of Carmen de la Asuncion was founded by monks and consecrated in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin. The main pride of the monastery is a gilded altar and a chair made in the Neoclassical style. The facade of the building is decorated with an unusual stone arch, and from the inside the church is decorated with frescoes, spiral columns and numerous baroque sculptures.
In addition, it is recommended to visit the church of San Marco , which is the first Catholic monastery of the town, as well as the San Pedro monastery on the central square.
Cultural and historical heritage of Cuenca
Connoisseurs of art, culture and connoisseurs of history should visit interesting museums, which in the city abound.
The Museum of the Central Bank of Pumapungo was established in the early 1980s and introduces the history of the city, the ethnic culture of the ancient tribes, monetary units and objects of everyday life in Ecuador. In the museum there are 4 rooms. On the first floor you can see many types of coins and banknotes. The second floor is devoted to the ethnography of the country, there are objects of everyday life and clothing, familiar with the culture of ancient nationalities.
The Museum of Religion Monasterio de la Conceptas was founded in an ancient convent and introduces the history of the monastery and the way of life of nuns. The decision to build the church was made in 1682, the construction was completed in 47 years. There are works of painting and religious art, various furniture of colonial times, ethnographic objects and objects of everyday life. On the first floor of the museum there is a hall for the removal of religious rituals and holding events of an artistic, scientific, educational nature.
The Museum of Spanish Abstract Art is located in the unique "hanging houses" of the medieval era, made in the Gothic style and located on a cliff above the Huerca River. However, the building for the museum was chosen not because of its magnificent appearance and unique location, but because of the opportunity to create the most favorable conditions for the storage of art collections. The museum collection includes more than 100 paintings and sculptures.
It is also recommended to pay attention to the Museum of Modern Art. It is located in a building that once served as a center for the rehabilitation of alcoholics, and is rightfully considered the center of artistic expression of the city. Also interesting is the Pumapungo Archaeological Museum under the open sky.
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Green parks and squares
The Abdon Calderon Park is located in the center of the city and is one of the main attractions of Cuenca. Here you can see the popular monument of Independence, which is dedicated to the fallen heroes of the Battle of Pichincha. A few years earlier, in 1929, in the square was installed the famous statue of Abdon Calderon, in honor of which the park was named. About 2,000 different species of ornamental plants grown in the nursery have been planted around the monument. And some of them were specially brought from New Guinea.
In addition, the city has many different viewing areas and squares. Visit the square of El Carmen , the main city square Plaza Mayor , Bleksmits , where the famous monument "Vulcan is the god of fire", a viewing area near the church of Turi , from where a magnificent view of the whole city opens. The "Madre" park is interesting, where parents can calmly rest while children frolic on special playgrounds. There is a monument to Leonidas Proano, a famous Ecuadorian fighter for social justice. And if you want unforgettable impressions, go for a walk at a height of 60 m on a hanging bridge, where you can tickle your nerves, passing on staggering boards, and from where you can see unforgettable views of the city.
Surroundings of the city of Cuenca
The Kahas National Park. Having inspected in the city of Cuenca attractions, you can go outside it, because in the neighborhood there are no less interesting and unique places. For example, 30 km from the city there is a "park of 200 lakes", which is unique in its ecosystem and is considered one of the most beautiful in Ecuador. It covers an area of about 285 sq. Km. km. There are about 270 different lakes, which are connected among themselves by small rivers flowing into the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean.
The Inca fortress Ingapirka is perhaps the only significant trail left by this civilization in Ecuador. Previously, these lands owned by the Indians of the Kanyari. In the late 15th century, they were captured by the Incas. Then the Incas were pushed out of these lands by the Spaniards, who destroyed their main city called Tomebamba and founded Cuenca in its place. The ruined city was restored by the authorities of Ecuador in the middle of the XX century, and in 1966 the ruins were open to tourists.
The main attraction of the fortress is the Temple of the Sun , which in ancient times was the place of religious rites and astronomical observations.
Cuenca is also famous for its healing springs, which are located in the village near the city. Here all conditions for comfortable rest of tourists are created.
In the city of Cuenca, the attraction is, perhaps, every second building. And they are all unique and deserve attention. When planning a trip to this city, be ready to plunge into the calm atmosphere of the colonial era, enrich yourself with new interesting knowledge and bring with you a piece of the Middle Ages in the form of beautiful photographs.
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