Albarracin

Albarracin

Albarracin is now on my "favorites" list.  That list gets longer all the time.  However, Albarracin is a VERY special place.  We actually started out in Cuenca, which is also on my favorites list.  I took so many pictures of the two cities, and the trip between them that I have had to divide this blog into two parts, Cuenca, and Albarracin.  This post will include the trip between the two cities.

The trip from Cuenca to Albarracin took us over some beautiful
mountain roads, lakes, rivers and cute villages.

These beautiful cliffs were so unusual.  They looked like castle walls.

I love this rogue tree soaring above the rest.

This is the cute village of Huelamo.  That peak to the left of the picture made this village an important military site.  I climbed to the top of it, and the views were wonderful.  I could see for miles and miles in all directions.

And wouldn't you know it. Even this tiny village has a bull ring.

The bullring can double as a parking lot for the church.

Greg is cheering me on from the bottom of the peak, as I climb to my certain death.

From the peak.

The site of the look-out tower.

Coming into Albarracin.

Albarracin is an ancient city founded by the Romans, and further established by the Moors.  After the reconquest it was taken over by the Christians.  It is now an incredible example of a medieval town.  It is in fantastic condition, and is now a World Heritage site.  There are actually only 50 full time residents in the old city.  The government has helped preserve it, as only 50 residents could not possibly maintain this beautiful place by themselves.

You enter the city through a tunnel.

The castle wall.

The Cathedral.

More of those amazing cliffs.

This is the tunnel entrance to the town.

The best restaurant in town.

No cars allowed in town except for residents.

Lizards are their symbol and they are found on so many doors.

This is the oldest home in town.  We got to go inside and see it.

The castle wall.

Again, he waits at the bottom.

Watch that first step!

This was a nobleman's home, so they got to go wild on the color.

Some of the ancient door locks had a tiny Madonna on the
hardware, as a special blessing on their home.

This was such a fun trip, and you can see why it is one of my favorite places.