Cuenca is located in La Nueva, Castilla, southwest of Madrid, on the chalk ridge where the Choca River and the Huca River meet, with an altitude of 1000 meters. The cities of Upper Cuenca and Lower Cuenca are both built on steep slopes and have natural defense functions. Several bridges connect the city with the outside world.
After being conquered by the Moors, Cuenca became a stronghold of Muslims until Alphonse VIII conquered it again in 1 177 and rebuilt the bishop's residence. The area and population of this city have increased. Cuenca's manufacturing industry (textiles) occupies an important position in Castilla's economy and develops in Upper Cuenca.
/kloc-In the 20th century, after the kingdom of Castilla in Spain regained its territory, Cuenca, as the imperial capital and the bishop's settlement, built many buildings, such as the first Gothic cathedral in Spain and the famous casas Corga Das, that is, the floating house. The hanging house overlooks the Vara River from the steep cliff. It is precisely because of its superior geographical location that the whole city stands out from the surrounding villages and is particularly eye-catching. /kloc-The rise of Cuenca in the 6th century is remarkable. As a first-class political and administrative center, with the development of manufacturing and economy,
Architecture has also developed. The development of the upper city surrounded by the city wall is different from that of the lower city with no cover. Since then, the layout of Cuenca has remained unchanged. After the economic collapse, Cuenca recovered slightly. Except for the ubiquitous religious buildings, all regions are developing towards the specialization of specific activities. Cuenca began to develop upward because of the dense urban buildings. Cuenca declined in the19th century, and it was not until the 20th century that this situation was reversed. Cuenca, a well-preserved and sturdy medieval city, was built by the Moors in the Khalifa Center of Cordoba for defensive purposes.
architectural feature
Cuenca has a novel structure, bright colors and unique style. It skillfully combines the architectural style of the Sahel region with the architectural art of Sudan, and fully demonstrates the wisdom and exquisite architectural skills of the ancient working people. It is called a fine architectural masterpiece. The houses in downtown Cuenca are also unique. Several families live in a huge square yard. The two-story flat-topped house faces the courtyard in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by a wall leveled with sand. From a distance, houses that are higher than the courtyard walls are like pieces of smooth stones that are neatly cut. There is only one entrance to the yard, and thick nails are nailed to the wooden entrance. Each household takes turns to be a doorman at the entrance and exit, welcoming guests and seeing them off, and guarding the carefully accumulated property. In hot West Africa, this kind of residence is low in cost, heat-insulating and dust-proof, comfortable and pleasant, simple and generous, and durable. It once enjoyed a high reputation throughout West Africa, and it still retains this kind of civil residence in many West African countries. Cuenca is located in a low-lying area. Historically, the Bani River flooded cities several times during the flood season, washed away buildings and collapsed mud houses. Coupled with the perennial dry temperature and the invasion of external forces, many buildings in the city were rebuilt and repaired later. Mosques, unique palaces and unique houses full of strong religious colors make the city still look antique, elegant and simple.
Cuenca has a unified architectural style and is a representative of Sudanese architectural art. Compacted clay blocks coated with gypsum are common building materials in these dry countries. Decorative pilasters, cribs and retaining walls make the facade of the building and its unconnected passages exquisite and unique. The grand mosque is the main part of the urban landscape, which enriches the three-dimensional lines of the city. Cuenca is an outstanding example of the development of pre-Islamic culture in the Niger Delta, and the whole city of Cuenca is a display of a glorious historical period.