Tuesday Elsie, Charlie, William and I choose to take one of the five walking tours laid out by the Cuenca tourism council. We start at the center of the square at Parque Calderon. On the east side of the square is Inglesia de Sagrario (the Church of the Shire) commonly known as the Old Cathedral, which has been converted to a museum. We enjoy walking through the church/museum which was started in 1557, then turn our sights to the western side of the square and the Catedral de la Immaculada Concepcion, also know as the New Cathedral.
Construction of New Cathedral started in 1885 and lasted for almost a century. The cathedral has three giant domes which are covers in blue glazed tile from the Czech Republic. There are also beautiful stained glass windows created by a Spanish artist.
We walk a few blocks to the Canari Museum, which unfortunately is closed. Around the corner, however is Museo de las Conceptas. This is a convent which occupies a full city block and is still occupied by the Conceptas nuns.
Approximately 25% of the convent has been restored and opened as a museum with paintings, sculptures crosses and dishware which has been donated as dowries over the years. The original buildings were completed from 1682 to 1729. Additional buildings were added in the 1800's. The restoration mostly used the original materials.
Construction of New Cathedral started in 1885 and lasted for almost a century. The cathedral has three giant domes which are covers in blue glazed tile from the Czech Republic. There are also beautiful stained glass windows created by a Spanish artist.
We walk a few blocks to the Canari Museum, which unfortunately is closed. Around the corner, however is Museo de las Conceptas. This is a convent which occupies a full city block and is still occupied by the Conceptas nuns.
Approximately 25% of the convent has been restored and opened as a museum with paintings, sculptures crosses and dishware which has been donated as dowries over the years. The original buildings were completed from 1682 to 1729. Additional buildings were added in the 1800's. The restoration mostly used the original materials.
After a relaxing lunch we walk the seven blocks to 9 de Octubre Market, which is filled with fruits and vegetables on the first floor and butchers and fish mongers on the lower level. Charlie has great fun asking the vendors about some of the fruits and vegetables which are not common in the US. A block further we walk through the Rotary Plaza, which is filled with stalls of selling wood, pottery and tin crafts. William decides to rest on a bench and watch the activity while the three of us shop. Soon their is a slightly inibreated local man trying to make friends with John (unwelcomed). Within a few minutes two security guards from the Rotary Plaza and two Cuenca Policemen are talking to the man and sending him on his way. It is nice to know the authorities are so attentive.
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