Cuenca and its sky

Welcome to Cuenca: a strong experience among art, history and relax to complete the, in itself exciting, flight adventure.

Season 2015

A proposal by

Francesco Padovano

Presentation letter Pag. 3 – 4

Cuenca and its province Pag. 5 - 19

Who we are and the flight zone (LESS) Pag. 20 – 36

Information about E. Castellanos flight field Pag 37

An alternate to prolong the adventure (LEEV)

Suggestions of alternative activities Pag. 38 - 39

Hints for hotel accommodation Pag. 40 - 46 and activities

Where to eat in Cuenca Pag 47 - 49

General information Pag. 50 - 57

Cuenca, a city clinging to the Spanish landscape with the tenacity of a deathless art work Perched between 900 and 1000 meters of altitude on the very edge of a rocky outcrop which defended the city for centuries. A unique and special city, full of charm enough to be declared "heritage of

humanity" by UNESCO in 1996 and surrounded by lush vegetation dominated by

the green of the pine trees, the gray of the rocks and the blue of the rivers that flow therein.

A place that surprises for its unique karst landscape full of surprises that seen from an higher point of view, acquire even a greater beauty. Not just flight,then, but an experience that enriches and satisfies the desire for culture, well-being and, why not, also leisure. When I landed a few years ago in this town, it was not hard to for me to fall in its enchantment: it didn't took so much to me to realize the potential of this of this wonderful place that can match the wild of nature with the charm of past cultures that have left their mark, of which we can still find tremendously alive traces, mixing them with the comforts of a modern city masked of ancient. After nearly thirty years of flying in various places in the world only here I found the right balance between the imperious necessity to fly always faster and far, with the pleasure of being able to spend time on the ground among the many offers that this town proposes. Below I will try to transmit you all my enthusiasm presenting either the area of flight and all its potential, either the cultural and touristic proposal that city and surroundings offer and lastly our flight center and the aims that it pursues. So in this program you will find a suggestion for services, hotels and accommodations, structures of rural tourism, proposals for activities, complementary to the flight or alternatives for those who do not fly but decides to accompany us in our adventures. In short a complete experience that I'm sure will be able to satisfy both: those who fly and those who decide to visit even just a piece of Spain that is still true in a global all-leveling world. So you will find five subject areas: flight and activities, knowledge and learning, mundanity, wellness, ecology and rurality. In them, the rules were changed.a new language is imposed: the one that deals of relaxation, rest, pleasure seeking, incentive to do better, all designed to ensure that this experience can be lived fully and make you feel more and more protagonists of your time. Welcome then to Cuenca to all those who try to outdo the performance of flight: in the paradise of convergence, flights of over 1000 km are not an unreachable goal. Welcome to Cuenca to all those who wish to go even further than the surface and submerge into the depth of culture: Castilla la Mancha, the land of Rome, PRESENTATION LETTER PRESENTATION Don Quixote, the Catholic Monarchs. Close to Ucles where originated the order of Santiago.Even today, in the city of Cuenca, still you can imagine the fight for supremacy between the Arabs of the past and Christianity, which often makes its way between the solemnity of the processions and the majesty of worship places

Welcome to Cuenca to all those who like to move, who want to cultivate the mind and body in an extraordinary landscape that has enchanted Hollywood itself. So welcome to all those who know the value of nature, who know how to listen to the breath of the earth, the movement of the landscape, to interpret the shape of the mountains, the enormity of the sky and its messages Are waiting for you landscapes in which the whims of wind and water have carved out a unique nature, clear rivers, sometimes serene and quiet in which to enjoy the sounds of nature or sometimes foaming and extremely energetic Woods of very high black pines and Mediterranean bush, rolling hills with overhangs and deep ravines in which to observe the colonies of vultures and birds of prey with which we will fly together Welcome to Cuenca to all those who like to spend their time trying to decide between shows, theater, music, ballet, exhibitions in numerous art centers and museums, perhaps mixing them between a dinner in a restaurant or a funny shopping in town The combinations among flight, cultural and touristic activities are a huge quantity and will always be a surprise. Welcome to Cuenca to all those people who love themselves and that cultivate their inner self together with their body, looking for a wellness program to be pampered and take advantage of the time for a relaxing massage or a spa bath. People like them have established a new set of rules to ensure that the permanence in this region, be absolutely unforgettable. Surely,and waiting to be able to receive you here, to share with us our wonderful sky, I exhort you to contact us to answer all your questions. Meanwhile I take this opportunity to wish you happy landings. See you soon

Francesco Padovano www.xair-in.info

Cuenca and its province

It is located in the interior of Spain, in the northeastern part of the Castile- La Mancha. The province offers a landscape full of contrasts, from the characteristic plains of La Mancha to the ridges of the most mountainous region. You can see it all very clearly visiting the territories dell'Alcarria Conquense, la Mancha, the Manchuela and the Serrania. It also has a natural park of great importance rich in biodiversity and where will be possible to observe huge colonies of various species of vultures and other birds of prey with which, often, we will fly together. Cuenca is 170 kilometers from Madrid and about the same distance from

Valencia, in Castilla-La Mancha.

Connected with major highways also enjoys a station dedicated exclusively to the AVE fast train in less than an hour takes us to Madrid or Valencia The first thing that will catch your attention is the cultural heritage of a city that has preserved its appearance of a medieval fortress, with palaces, stately homes, towers, churches, convents, streets, squares and passageways. The old town is full of buildings and churches of different artistic styles, most built between the twelfth and eighteenth centuries. The town is perched on a kind of rocky peninsula, which lies between the rivers Júcar and Huécar, and makes it unique in the world. The meanders, called "hoces" formed by these rivers in a geometry of deep gorges, are crossed by several bridges from where you can contemplate the town from the bottom and admire the audacity of the construction of the city upward. More specifically we will admire the famous hanging houses, literally hanging from the cliff, in an attempt to optimize the available space in the city that has its own límit in the formidable vertical walls of rock overlooking the river. From the city center the view of meanders is spectacular, but nothing less is the contemplation, from below, of the city as a whole, with the different heights of the towers and steeples and all its buildings.

A bit of history: The first human traces in Cuenca province date from the Upper Palaeolithic period, around 90,000 BC. The main tribes in the area appear to have been at first the "beribraces" and "Arévacos" until the arrival of "Olcades" who took control of most of the province along with "lobetanos" who had the capital in Lobetum. In Roman time, of which remains many witnesses, the

whole area of the Serrania of Cuenca, has been involved in TO KNOW THE ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT THE KNOW TO ongoing tensions and Celtiberian wars. Curiously, while in the province there have been three important Roman cities (Segóbriga and Valeria Ercávica), the capital area was scarcely populated just finding the remains of a small settlement near the bridge of Castellar. The model of a Roman settlement has been perpetuated after the arrival of the barbarian invasions, although a decline of Roman urban centers. One can therefore say that Cuenca has Arab origin, as well as its very name betrays because it means “dell”. With the arrival of the troops "aganeras" there was talk of Cuenca consolidated as an urban center, famous for manufacturing carpets and ivory objects of great prestige throughout the whole 'Al Andalus and known to the court of Toledo. Muslims built an impregnable fortress on top of the rocky outcrop to control access to Serrania protected by deep gorges that have always been a natural wall. Over time the population increased and the walls of the city, in which lived about a thousand people, had to expand. In what today is called Plaza Mangana there was the old Alcazar (fortress) and the area of merchants and craftsmen focused in the actual Plaza Mayor while the Mezquita was located where today stands the actual cathedral. During the period "Omeya" develops a farming and textile industry that made it one of the most important centers of the caliphate. Since 1091, with the death of the governor of Cordoba Al Mamum, were realized a series of conquests and wars between the Arab peoples and the Christian ones. The Castles of Uclés, Huete and Cuenca will be invaded but during this century in Cuenca will alternate several times the Arab domination and Christian one, having to bear long sieges. Although the date of the foundation is not clear, it is assured of the presence of the city of Qūnka or Kunka already in 784 AD. The square grew in importance until it became the capital of Cora. However, with the fall of the Caliphate of Cordoba in 1031, it became part of the Taifa of Toledo, and it served as a bridge for the conquest of the kingdoms of Valencia and Cordoba. The city had a very convulsive time, torn between Arab infighting and the struggles with the Christian populations, to the point that the king Arabic Al-Mutamid after defeating the Christian King Alfonso VI had to ask for his help to defend himself from the aggressions of the Arab kingdom of Seville. In any case, after the battle of Ucles, in 1108 Cuenca came under the control of populations of "Almoravid". According to tradition, Alfonso VIII besieged the city on the day of the Epiphany in 1177 and entered triumphant in Cuenca, on September 21 of that year. So the population is distributed within the city according to their religion: Muslims relegated to the area of the building (now Square Mangana) while the Jewish quarter established around the current street of Scarperie and the rest of the city was divided into Catholic parishes. A council and an episcopal see were created. A campaign to repopulate the town was put in place. To the city was also granted the status of "fuero", a kind of autonomy, which was then the basis of many others in the region, by Alfonso X in 1257. During the fourteenth and fifteenth century began to set the lower part of the city, the districts of "San Anton" and "Tiradores". In the context of disputes between King Alfonso XI and Don Juan Manuel, Cuenca was a member for several years of the lordship of Villena, returning to belong to the Kingdom when it was granted full amnesty to the Lord of Villena. The city was besieged several times by the Aragonese, but they never managed to conquer it. Cuenca became an important economic center in particular in the field of textile production and livestock. Trade in textiles and carpet production brought a large wool processing industry, it is estimated that the population of the city in the sixteenth century would reach 15,000 inhabitants. So Cuenca became the focus of the judicial system and the vote in the "Cortes" (a kind of parliament of the era) was granted, meanwhile the economic boom led to an unrestrainable constructive activity .However, the plague epidemic of 1588 was a prelude to the decline that would be followed throughout the century XVII . The epidemic was followed by a long drought and other invasions of locusts that generated a drastic reduction of the population to only 1,500 people in the whole city. Similarly, the rise in wool prices brought the decline of transhumance and, consequently, the collapse of the textile industry in Cuenca. Although the economy gradually was retrieved, the century XVIII began with another crisis that struck particularly, once again, the textile industry and brought finally at the closure of the Mint and the paper mills.During the War of Succession Cuenca sided with Philip V, which reward the city adding the titles of "Faithful and Heroic" to those of "very noble and loyal" already declared in the past. Of the 80 looms in 1735, there remained just 22 in 1763. The then Bishop and Archdeacon later, Antonio Palafox, decided to revive the textile industry but was unsuccessful because of the prohibition of Charles IV in order to avoid competition with the Casa Real de Tapices.Throughout the nineteenth century, it was built what that today is the city, being the Alfonso VIII street the main connection with the Plaza Mayor.

However, the turbulence of the period caused that the city had been kept in a precarious state until the twentieth century. During the War of Independence the city was sacked more than nine times, and the population decimated. In 1833 it became the capital of the new province of Cuenca, at the very beginning of the First Carlista War. This ended with no other outcome that some attacks on the city. Even during the Second Carlist War there was barely any interference on the life of the city, but during the third it was sacked twice. The second attack, in 1874, was the bloodiest of all and much of the city was burned. In 1883 the railway arrived from Aranjuez, and together with the installation of some sawmill helped economic recovery. The city surpassed the 10,000 inhabitants in 1900.Already in the late nineteenth century, the upper part of the city was no longer the economic and social center, which moved near the street Carretería, a change that intensified as the century went on. The San Julian Park settled on the ancient gardens of Huécar and the districts of San Antón and Tiradores grow bigger. The experienced economic boom promoted the settlement of some modern industries and the associated rise of workers and socialist movements in the city. On 17 July 1931, some days after the proclamation of the Second Republic, the new town hall settled.During the Civil War Cuenca sided with the Republican faction. During the first days chaos reigned, occurring serious damage, including the sacking of the Bishop's Palace and the Cathedral, where the remains of San Julián were burned. Yet, despite the rigors of war and sporadic attacks, Cuenca lived on the edge the years of conflict, until was taken by Franco's troops on March 29, 1939. The postwar years were characterized by rural depopulation and with it, the construction of modern Cuenca, finally consolidating the new city as the center of the town.and leaving the old town and the village, in some places, almost in a state of abandonment. In 1963 the historic center of Cuenca and surrounding are declared areas of touristic interest, which, together with the founding in 1966 of the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, opened in the scenery of the Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas), promotes the recovery of the environment and the promotion of tourism in the city. On 7 December 1996, the old town, its ancient villages, meanders and crags drawn from the two most important rivers of the city, are declared UNESCO World Heritage.

The religious heritage: Cathedral of Cuenca: construction began in the twelfth century on the site of the mosque and represents one of the first examples of Gothic architecture in Spain. It was consecrated in 1208 by Archbishop Jiménez de Rada, but was not completed until 1271. It is a unique building with transition elements from Romanesque to Gothic and influences of the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. Cathedral The plant is a Latin cross, with three naves and transept. Cistercian reminiscences are visible in the vaults, while the lantern is a square layout and was inspired by the English school Anglo-Norman. The side chapels were completed in the sixteenth century, particularly interesting that of the Apostles and of the Holy Spirit, also called "Capilla de los Caballeros". The cloister is accessed through the arch in renaissance style by Jamete, being also worth mentioning the "Transparent", a baroque extravaganza of Ventura Rodríguez. In 1902 collapsed the Tower of Girardillo, seriously damaging the facade, that had to be demolished and rebuilt. The new neo-Gothic facade, was performed in the same general style of construction. The last change occurred with the installation of the missing windows, made by contemporary artists Bishop’s Palace such as Gustavo Torner. Next to the cathedral is the Bishop's Palace. The latter, adjacent to the Cathedral, houses the Diocesan Museum.The building does not present any particular design, but is a result of the changes and reforms that have been carried out by the construction that began in the thirteenth century. Of interest is the facade, restored in the eighteenth century. St. Andrew's Church: It 'was built in the sixteenth century under the direction of architect Pedro de Alviz.In 1936 the temple was damaged and after the Civil War was sold to local religious corporations (Cofradias), in order to preserve their images processional. Church of San Miguel: Construction began in the thirteenth century, still retains the original apse. The rest of the church was restructured in the eighteenth century and restored in the twentieth century. Saint Andres Interesting its Renaissance facade. Nowadays regularly hosts concerts and other cultural events. St. Nicholas Church: It is a simple building with a single nave, built in the Renaissance style. Also interesting is the square outside which is accessed through the arch of San Nicola. Church of San Pedro: The current building dates from the eighteenth century and is built on the site of an ancient mosque. It has a huge octagonal dome and an impressive coffered ceiling of the sixteenth century in Mudejar style (Arabic). Fu costruito in base al progetto dell'architetto Martin de Aldehuela, che ha lavorato anche nella chiesa di Nostra Signora della Luce e il Convento de las Petras. All'interno ci sono opere dello scultore Pasqua Cuenca Marco Perez.. Church of Santa Cruz: was built in the sixteenth century and restructured several times. Currently used as a showroom and sale of handicraft products. Church of El Salvador: of the XVI century, has a single nave, with chapels between the buttresses, as the tradition of the Spanish Levante indicated, in the beginning covered with wooden armor, then replaced. The current tower was erected in 1903. Iglesia San Pantaleon de Gerusalem: was raised by Saint Peter the Templars Knights in the thirteenth century but now only ruins are preserved. Church of Nuestra Señora de la Luz (Our Lady of Light) was built in the sixteenth century over the Sanctuary that, according to tradition, King Alfonso VIII wanted in the place where the Virgin Mary appeared. to him. Declared of cultural interest in February 2015. Chapel "de la Virgen de las Angustias" (Our Lady of Sorrows): It is a small building just outside the city but closely associated with the events of Easter (Semana Santa) of Cuenca. The facade is of the seventeenth century, while the rest of the palace is of eighteenth century, built by Marin Aldehuela.. Convents and monasteries:

Salvator’s Church Convent of San Pablo (current Parador): Construction began in 1523 as a Dominican convent, taking advantage of the rock structure of the meander of the river. The church, of gothic and decadent style, roof of transition from Spanish baroque to rococo , hosts Torner space inside. Moreover the decoration of the cloister is particularly interesting for the contrast between the modern art and the classic around. Convento de la Merced: An old monastery of the Merced Calzada built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, with its predominantly Baroque style. Its premises are currently divided between the Seminary of San Julián and the community of the Sisters Servants of the Blessed Sacrament and Mary Immaculate. The building of the eighteenth century, Chapel of Sorrows preserves the walls of the old palace of the Marquis of Cañete and Hurtado de Mendoza, the viceroy of Peru and the founding of the city of Cuenca in Ecuador. Convent de San Felipe Neri was built under the direction of Jose Martin in the eighteenth century and is one of the leading examples of the rococo in Spain. It acquires special importance during the events of Easter, especially emotional singing of the "Miserere" during the procession of images.

Convent de “Las Petras”: it was built in the Carmelita’s Convent eighteenth century and is located in the Plaza Mayor. Convent de "Las Angelicas": the building annexed to the Church of St. Nicholas of Bari, was built in the sixteenth century. It now houses the School of Crafts. Convent of Custodians of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was born in the seventeenth century and is now a hotel. Monastery of Franciscan Conception :it was built in the fifteenth century and is located just to the walls Carmelita’s Convent of the city, adjacent to the old Puerta de Valencia. Monastery of Discalced Franciscan: it is a building of the XVI century in whose courtyard there is a cross carved in stone with carved just one hand, according to legend, belonging to Don Diego. It is known as the Cross of the Converso. According to the legend of Don Diego and Donna Diana, the latter was the reincarnation of the devil, woman drags Don Diego in any kind of rebellion but in the end, realizing the deception of the devil, he wised, returning to normality Monastery of the Benedictine Nuns: it was founded December 14, 1448 by Pedro Arias de Vamonde. Interest of the south facade. Petra’s Convent Civil heritage: Casas Colgadas: The most emblematic monument of the city.It is a series of houses built since at least from the fifteenth century on the overhang overlooking the Menander (Hoz) of the Huécar. Its origin seems to be in a manor house and, until now, have had various uses, including that of City Hall. The group currently consists of three houses, two of which (Las Casas del Rey) houses the Museum of Abstract Art, while in the third (La Casa de la Sirena), Hanging Houses is housed an inn. La Torre Mangana: Mangana is the name used by the end of the sixteenth century to designate the city clock. It is located on the site of the old Andalusian palace, the ancient district Mudejar (Moorish) and Rear Jewish quarter which few traces remain today. Town Hall: Built in 1733 and designed by Jaime Bort. It stands at the entrance of Plaza Mayor, and communicates with the street of Alfonso VIII through a portal colonnade. Puente de San Pablo: Located on the mouth of the river Huécar. Between 1533 and 1589 it was built a Hanging Houses stone bridge that collapsed over the centuries. In 1902 it was rebuilt in the present iron and wood, according to the architectural trends of the period. From this bridge you can admire both, the hanging houses and the meanders and crags overlooking the Huecar river. The Bridge of San Anton: Located on the river Júcar. It is of medieval style, although it has been renovated in the nineteenth century. Castle: In this place stood the old Andalusian citadel. Today it is in ruins, but preserves a tower, two square blocks. In the stretch of wall that remains we find the Arc of Bezudo, semicircular, renovated in the sixteenth century, on which appears a shield. Skyscrapers: This name is traditionally given to the houses which are located in the side of the odd numbers of the street Alfonso VIII, who, despite having just three or four heights in front of the road are able to get even 10 heights in their rear, overlooking the district of San Martin, facing the river Huécar. Provincial Historical Archive: Located near the castle in a building of the XVI century that was the seat of the Inquisition of Cuenca. It now houses a number of documents in the entire province. Antiguo Colegio de San José: It was built in the seventeenth century and originally belonged to the family of the painter Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo.Then it became the seat of the choir of the Cathedral of Cuenca and is now a hotel. Former Jesuit College: Currently there are only two sides: these were a religious school. Mangana’s Tower Casa del Corregidor: a massive three-storey building, designed by Joseph Martin in the eighteenth century. It is on the road of Alfonso VIII, the main artery of the city until the nineteenth century. Building of the Provincial Government (Diputación): It is a neoclassical building, surrounded by a fenced garden. Hospital of Santiago was established in the twelfth century as asylum of the pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago and the convalescence of Christians saved from captivity. Mangana’s Tower The current building dates from the seventeenth century and continues to operate as a hospital. Squares and gardens: Plaza Mayor: one is at the center of the longitudinal axis running through the old city and is the hub of the same. It has a slight triangular shape and its limits are identified by the Cathedral, City Hall and the Convent of the Petras. It was not the Christian city's main square until the fifteenth century, when it replaced the Plaza del Carmen (first called the Picota) in function of the Historic Archive of Cuenca place of meeting of the Council. Plaza de Mangana: It occupies the site of the old fortress and in it we find the Torre Mangana and the monument to the Constitution of Gustavo Torner. It had undergone major studies and archaeological explorations that continue nowaday, because they try to transform the area into an open air museum to restore the function of public spaces. The main ruins to be integrated in the building are those of the old citadel, a synagogue and the church of Santa Maria de Gracia.

Museums: Museo de Cuenca: Located in the so-called House of the Cure and presents the archaeological findings and the history of the province of Cuenca, from the Paleolithic to the modern age. To highlight the three rooms dedicated to the Roman towns of Segóbriga and Valeria Ercávica and the Corregidor’s House statue of Lucius Caesar, executed in marble. It is remarkable also its coin collection. Museum of Spanish Abstract Art: Located within the building of the "Casas colgadas", presents works of the most important Spanish artists of the second half of the twentieth century, such as Eduardo Chillida, Antonio Saura, Pablo Serrano and Manolo Millares and others. It was opened in 1966 thanks to the joint collaboration of Fernando Zobel and Gustavo Torner. Fondazione Antonio Perez: Housed in the former Museum of Abstrac Art convent of the Carmelites (seventeenth century) is a popular contemporary art space. In it we will find works by Millares, Gordillo, Torner, Antonio Saura, Zobel, Canogar, Brossa and Warhol, among others. Of particular interest is the personal collection of objects found by Antonio Perez. Science Museum of Castilla-La Mancha, is located in the asylum of Seniors homeless, which was significantly expanded to house the museum. It is divided into four themed areas, plus the Contemporany Art Centre distributor and the Planetarium. Presents, in an educational and dynamic way a number of scientific subjects, from astronomy to geology, renewable energy and biodiversity. Regional Museum of Paleontology: The March 23, 2015 in Cuenca opens the Museum of Paleontology La Tierra de los Dinosaurios. The Museum is located in the building that once housed Ars Natura. The project consists of four phases that will be completed presumably in october 2016. It was born as a project to study, Archaelogycal Museum of Cuenca preserve and divulge the rich paleontological heritage of Castilla-La Mancha and offers visitors a first level cultural resource. Treasure of the Cathedral: a small museum located inside the Cathedral. It contains works of Pedro de Mena and Garcia Salmeron and Martin Gomez El Viejo, among others. Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art: Located in the Episcopal Palace, opened in 1983. The building has several Arabic inscriptions of the twelfth century, although it has been significantly refurbished in the sixteenth century. They include works by El Greco, a Flemish calvary of Gerard David school and several tablets of the painting school of Cuenca. Among the sculptures, there is the Calvary of Alfonso VIII, dated in the late twelfth century. Antonio Saura Foundation-Casa Zavala: It is located in the former palace of the Cerdan de Landa and is linked to the legacy of the pictorial Aragonese painter Antonio Saura. The foundation has specialized in Museal Paleontologycal Centre Ars Natura avant-garde art and hosts a major public library dedicated to the art of vanguard. International Museum of electrografia: This is a research museum, linked to the University of Castilla- La Mancha. It displays a collection of over 4000 works of art electrographic and digital, created by new technologies related to methods of production, reproduction and image management. Torner space: Located in the Convent of San Pablo, currently a hotel belonging to the chain of Paradores nacionales and presents the works of the homonymous painter. Museal Paleontologycal Centre Ars Natura Museum of Holy Week: Located on the street Alfonso VIII, who hosted the family Giron and Cañizares. It presents the experiences and emotions of Cuenca Easter in a multimedia show in which have been used the latest museographical technologies.

Celebrations: Easter in Cuenca: it is declared of International Tourist Interest. Of particular importance is the procession of the the road to Calvary, popularly Museum of Holy Art known as Las Turbas. Religious Music Week: This is a festival of high quality, declared of International Tourist Interest. Are usually invited some of the most prestigious artists of religious music, both promoting the recovery of this cultural heritage, and the composition of new works. Fiestas de San Julian: are celebrated towards the end of August, accompanied by a big temporary amusement park , fashion shows and theater Archaelogycal Museum performances, outdoor concerts and bullfights of some importance. Fiestas de San Mateo: take place September 18 to 21 and were declared of Regional Tourist Interest. Celebrate the conquest of Cuenca by Alfonso VIII of Castile, tradition dictates that these festivals are celebrated from the first recurrence, although the first known document sets in the September 19, 1581. The festival focuses, since then, in two acts. The first is the transfer of the banner of Alfonso VIII, who leaves his habitual residence at the Cathedral to spend a night in the town hall. The second, more popular, is to run after young bulls in the improvised arena in the Plaza Mayor. After visiting the city, you should visit the villages and Alarcon’s Castle towns of the surroundings that are not less than capital in cultural and architectural richness. It is worthwhile to mention a few like: Belmonte, Alarcon Castle Garcimuñoz, Huete, San Clemente, Ucles among many others.

Belmonte: Excavations carried out recently lead the origins of Belmonte’s Castle the locality to Visigoth eras, probably around the fifth century. Called Bellomonte since origins. It was called so already in the Papal Bull of Innocent III because of the beauty of the mountain surrounding the settlement. It began in 1323 the construction of the walls of Belmont and the embryonic stage of the castle whose construction began in 1456 by order of the Marquis of Villena D. Juan Pacheco.The locality was renewed with the construction of new buildings during an epoch of splendor, between the centuries XV and XVIII. Castle Belmonte is often the site of events related to the medieval tradition and often take place sporting events related to ancient fencing. Alarcón: The fortress that sustains Alarcón, in defense and lookout of the surroundings, stands on the plains and in the breach of the valley on a pronounced meander Uclé’s Monastery of the river Jucar The Arabs laid the foundation of the fortress that already can be seen from the road, and still remains intact, hosting inside a Parador Nacional of great prestige. With antecedent Iberians and Romans this place becomes part of the history after it was occupied by the Arabs from which it had the name and the present castle that was later enlarged. The Villa of Alarcón was Arab until 1184, and after one of more important battles became Christian under the rule of the King Alfonso VIII.In the fourteenth century Don Juan Manuel is the one who will appropriate the Villa, that in the fifteenth century will pass to be property of Juan Pacheco Marquess of Villena. The history of Alarcón is closely linked to the castle, but it is not the only element of interest in the city, becuse it has an important monumental and religious heritage. Huete: Huete’s Museum A very ancient locality whose origins date back to the Paleolithic. Already Roman with the name of Opta, rises on the confluence of two river valleys formed by the rivers Mayor and Brobotón.Very rich in monumental heritage. To visit are the Ethnographic museum, the castle, the ancient monastery of Santo Domingo that houses the museum of sacred art, and many other buildings of interest. Already what we'll see on arrival in this city, surrounded by particularly beautiful and majestic landscapes, promises what you'll find in it. Uclés: Saint Clemente A very beautiful settlement of Celtiberian and Roman origin that seems still anchored to the past. Here stands the first monastery of the Order of Santiago, surrounded by walls that immutable observe the centuries, imposing and majestic was more often referred to as El Escorial de la Mancha. A visit not to be missed. San Clemente: also of very ancient origin, it has been an active late Roman population of which retains many buildings and in particular a Roman bridge with three arches Delighted City which is preserved in excellent condition and is considered as the best example of a Roman bridge across the region. San Clemente also offers visitors an enormous monumental and cultural heritage. For example will be worth visiting the church of Santiago Apostol, the castle of Santiago de la Torre, the Monsaterio de nuestra Señora de Gracia of the sixteenth century with the Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. The Monsaterio de las Carmelitas seventeenth century, the one of the Trinitarias of the sixteenth century, the chapel of Delighted City “the Sea Dog” Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, of the fifteenth century or the Chapel of Cruz Cerrada de San Roque.The Jesuit collegiate or old theater and the rest of the buildings of the fifteenth century and posterior of great beauty. As for the tourist routes, Cuenca has stunning scenery and multiple paths to take: Città Encantada, Hoz de Beteta, Torcas of Palancares, Birth of the River Cuervo, the artificial lake in the Sierra Valdemoro, el Cerro Socorro and the fort of the civil war, the reservoir of Chincha, the Hoz de Tragavivos, the Tierra Muerta y Palancares, the lagoons of Cañada del Hoyo, the alleys de las Majadas with the viewpoint of the Tio Cogote, the complex of lagoons and Majavacas Ballesteros, the path near the artificial lake of Buendía, and many others to be discovered. Ciudad Encantada The Jucar river, passing by the population of Uña and Cuervo’s River Source Villalba de la Sierra opens a deep valley with overhanging crags of more than 1500 meters and where nature has sculpted the Ciudad Encantada. It is a natural place where water has carved the karstic rock modeling from human figures to capricious formations of various interpretations (ships, mushroom etc.). A place of unusual beauty that has charmed even the producers of Hollywood that here filmed movies like Conan the Barbarian among others. It is part of the natural park of the Serrania de Cuenca and is a must-see visit.

Nacimiento del rio Cuervo: The source of the Rio Cuervo is located in a natural Cuervo’s River Source place of incredible beauty and is always visitable. Due to its location enjoys a humid microclimate that makes it a particular island snuggled in the Serrania of Cuenca. In this place, the water is from a source and flowing between huge stalactite overgrown with moss often freeze in winter resulting in ice formations of incredible beauty. Lagunas de Cañada del Hoyo It is a configuration of lagoon of karstic kind. They are seven lagoons, each with special features for the color they show. They are particularly impressive viewed from above, flying. Las Torcas de los Palancares Cañada del Hoyo Lakes The natural monument de las Torcas de los Palancares consists of a total of 22 Torcas surrounded by unpaved roads. The Torcas are nothing but the immense crags generated by the collapse of the vaults of karst caves generated by the action of water. Apparently it seems that a rain of huge meteorites have dotted the land of craters as big as football fields. Las chorreras de Enguídanos: The construction of the dam of Villora changed the course of the river Cabrile to the river Guadazón. The karst terrain and water erosion has created since 1910 this place of entertainment and recreational interest. In fact the water has generated a series of Cañada del Hoyo Lakes pools and channels where water flows with force and where you can admire a series of waterfalls, swim and implement activities and various types of adventure sports linked to the territory. Archaeology: You can not miss a visit to the Archaeological Park of Segóbriga, the site of Valeria and Ercávica where we can admire the remains almost intact of the ancient Rome that made this area a very important economic center developing the production of the Lapis Specularis which was exported in all over the empire, enriching the whole province of the time. Segobriga: “Torcas” The archaeological site of Segobriga is one of the best preserved Roman city and is certainly the most important archaeological site of all Castilla la Mancha. The city was strongly supported by the Emperor Augustus and with time, acquiring the status of Municipium, it grew into an impressive city with high walls, three monumental gates, a Coliseum, a theater and a circus for horse racing. Already mentioned together with the population of Ercávica and Valeria by Pliny the Elder in his work Historia naturalis, it surprises for the state of “Chorreras” Enguidanos conservation along with the very interesting museum and interpretation center of the adjacent site. Also worth visiting the area of the paleontological "Hoyas of cierva" and the site of "Lo Hueco en Fuentes" Also have a great cultural interest the cave paintings of the caves in Villar del Humo, that, among other things, offer a lovely walk to reach them in an area surrounded by beautiful nature.

Hoyas de la Cierva and archaeological site Lo Hueco: Thanks to the particular geological configuration of this place located close to the city,it was possible to preserve innumerable fossil of the typical ecosystem of the Cretaceous when the area was an island in the middle of the Tethys Sea. From the archaeological site it has been possible to find birds of the Mesozoic period as the Iberomesotius, Cocornis or Eulaulavis or samples perfectly articulated as Garofita Clavatoraxis among others, together with a large number of species of fish, amphibians and a rich and diverse record of plants and tree species. This whole area has been declared as a natural monument of the Comunidad de Castilla la Manche and so this is a Segóbriga protected space.

Segóbriga

“Hoyas de la Cierva”

Xair-in stems from the will of a number of professionals with the aim of promoting the aeronautics field, particularly among young people, giving them a healthy, and at the same time educational, alternative to the usual activities that take place in the city. It also wants to give a way to the professionals of the flight to find in us a point of contact between their profession and the public, so that people can have access to the wide aeronautical expertise available. Meanwhile, professional people can take advantage to improve their training level, in a time in which the space for such activity, in a professional environment, is drastically reduced, now that gliding is known to be an excellent tool to reach this goal (London conference of professional pilots in September of 2013). Allowing local universities a detailed consideration of aeronautical issues, at a more general level, creating ad hoc disciplines as a link between the public and professionals, directly or not connected to the flight environment, using the flight field as medium to practically realize what is in theory. Develop with all possible means the inclusion of people with different capacity within aviation, we believe the only real inclusive discipline where you can race all in the same class. And last but not least, offer to leisure gliding environment the opportunity to realize incredible flights both in time and in distance in the paradise of convergence. Cuenca in fact for location and climatic conditions offers the opportunity of a long season with potential worthy of better-known areas such as Argentina, South Africa, The Rocky Mountains, the Italian and French Alps, the same Rieti and other places of renowned fame. In addition to the extremely favorable conditions for the flight, the area offers a unique opportunity being the airfield just 11km from a city considered a World Heritage Site by Unesco. To be considered the ease with which is possible to reach the town: it is well served by roads, hiways, high speed trains, so generating a very high potential. In fact, as it is possible leave in place your gliders or other flyght veichle, without any further worry, it became very easy to program short flight periods instead of long holidays to take advantage of the place peculiarities. We remind you that Spain has joined the European standard EASA last April 8, 2015 and is therefore possible to fly with the European licenses under the rule of the FCL 1178/2011 which are automatically recognized by the Spanish. This also means that the licenses that will be issued in Spain by schools ATO will be directly european while those issued by the Spanish schools not ATO will be converted from Spanish Agency representative for flight safety AESA once that will be fulfilled the necessary requirements for the license SPL (A). (until next April 2018 will take place when the full European integration). But xair-in, pretends much more of the flight, the project also includes the revitalization of a tourist area in recent years has lost appeal taking advantage of the extraordinary natural and cultural combination.It also pretends to boost its citizens, and not only, with activities related to the airfield. In Xair-in converge various professionals with experience in differet fields (aeronautica, mechanics, tourism, education, engineering) who consider that gliding is the best way to spread the aeronautical culture and so proposes a new use of free time articulated on various levels: 1) Training 2) fun 3) rest 4) use of free time The various programs that will be implemented, some of which are already operational from April of 2015, put in relashionship both the dimension of the philosophy of "educating city" and the various levels of time use proposed: Xair- in becomes the context and the education around: "learn to". It then becomes a reflection, a pedagogical deepening that considers this project as an around of educational events that start from a job training leisure. The education is not taught strictly in a school and for that reason we think it is appropriate to explain that this project is not MERELY a FLIGHT SCHOOL, but a context in which are proposed and offered resources and incentives generators of training at all levels in which to provide and combine formal and non-formal education.

This program pretends to foment, particularly in younger, democratic values of participation and responsibility along with the knowledge of the surroundings in which you are located. Aware of the educational needs of all ages will have a number of programs that offer activities suitable to supplement or reinforce the basic training as well as the professional with: 1) Permanent Education 2) Sports program 2) Knowing a city that is a World Heritage Site

It starts then from the interest to support and integrate educational activities as well as start our future supporters in history, popular imagination, fantasy and magic of aeronautical with activities such as: a) I learn to make paper planes, recycled materials and other flying objects b) How does it work? c) Who was it? d) With all my senses e) Stories and legends, flying books

Xair-in as medium or vehicle of education: “learn from”. We start from the idea then, that the center represents and compliance an educational circle, being education in itself a generator source of training and socialization, so becoming a strong broadcaster of information and culture.In turn it is also a space where socializing establish relationships between equals, with the participation of other cultures, with people of different ability and between different generations. So a center that qualifies as an educator, to be friendly, amiable, comfortable, clean, safe and peaceful. Morover become a campaign of civic responsibility to encourage an attitude of respect toward others, toward life in common, on the basis of compromise, the implication of citizens in matters such as the environment, the appearance of the center and coexistence. The activities will be carried out under the auspices of:

A) Citizen cohabitation a. The corner of the doubt b. Stop to boredom c. Open for holiday

B) Aeronautical Culture and citizen coexistence a. Flight safety b. I learn to make decisions quickly c. On weekends you decide d. Help others

Xair-in educational content as: "Learn" The informal knowledge that generates a particular means is in turn knowledge of the same; so it is understood that not only we learn from a project but, at the same time, we learn the project.

Learn also means learning to use, hence that is the importance of the necessity to promote a participatory activity. So the project proposes the Xair-in conceiving this space as a community meeting place and good citizenship whose sign of identity and the participation of its members to the organization of the mean.

Our instructors do not limit their activity strictly on the airfield but transmit all their passion presenting it to younger bringing the gliding in schools.

Finally we want to be the reference point among fans of gliding that in Cuenca, in the field of Sotos (LESS) will find one of the best places in the world to practise this sport. About the strictly aeronautical training we would remaind you that has been established a complete system, articulated on the basis of missions established on an instructors manual that will be closely followed and in which the transfer of responsibility of the flight will be gradually ceased from instructor to pupil, until the full autonomy of the student is achieved.In this way, being the missions described with great precision, the uniformity that has been reached makes possible the exchange between instructors. At the same time it set up a continuous evaluation of the student who will not have to necessarily be every day in class. The training system designed offers a self-written textbook, based on the Manuale di Volo a Vela by Guido Bergomi, from which we received authorization and all his respect for the work realized, to which is referred the instructors manual so that, at every stage of learning will be possible to address each mission with adequate and corresponding theoretical preparation. Theoretical lessons, which could also be produced in Italian, will be given daily in a continuous cycle on the basis of the needs of the classroom available on the same airfield. Instructors at LESS add up over 6,000 flight hours, made in prestigious centers as Senasa, the Spanish national center for excellence, or other schools in the Spanish Pyrenees as Santa Cilia. But Xair-in not only has a staff of instructors, everybody is working together in supporting this project, each with his tasks, without importance the age but with the sense of responsibility and contribution that each one can give according to their ability. Below Francesco Padovano ideologist and President of the Club of flight, flight instructor, our expert in pedagogical Dr. Maria Isabel Ferrandiz Vindel, Daniele Padovano glider pilot

with SPL license that gives us every morning the weather forecast, our public relations in younger area and creative creator of flight personal logos for each of us: Verónica Padovano.

Because, although the gliding is a group activity and for which the reason for uniformity in the approach of each and the garment, it does not mean that we should neglect their individuality and have a personal hallmark. We thought it was a nice idea that redeems old aviation traditions. What will be the yours?

So along with a simple and convenient uniform, that we will offer to all students, it will be possible to personalize your own kit.The flight suits as winter jackets will be available for purchase. All pieces are custom made and then not immediately available.

The clothing is proposed by Kyloyankeepapa, official supplier of the Italian Military Aeronautica that makes extensive use at the base of Guidonia. The aircraft selected for school are deliberately drawings in a around of the years 50/60, that by their flight characteristics, are extremely effective tools for learning. So we have chosen to operate in two seater with the Alexander Schleicher K13 which allows a wide range of maneuvers that many of the modern two-seater gliders are not able to realize without modification to the aircraft (for example screws). As soon as the student has achieved the full flight autonomy will continue its training on the one-seat aircraft, with flight characteristics that will behave very similar to the two-seater. Since the seat of the instructor is placed right on the center of gravity, it will behave the same way in the air with one or two drivers, except for different wing loading.

All aircraft follow a very tight program of maintenance and checks are made daily, much more than required by the rule. For us security is not an option but is a great part of basic operations and one of the fundamental principles of education.. Moreover Xair-in uses the most modern tools of analysis (SIRA: Safety Issue Risk Assestement, and ERC: Event Risc Classification) establishing a protocol of continuous monitoring EACAST, contemplated, among others, by the new European standard for much more complex organization.

In it they are evaluated all the factors affecting the flight activity, and then:  the means  the around  the people. in particular they are constantly monitored:

 the operational logistics of the surroundings: airspaces, ground handling, presence of obstacles, the exclusion zone of the public and pedestrian áreas  air means and other  the receiving system of the information security  flight procedures  flight training and experience communication documentation of the participants in o training received o operational experience o experience in the type of aircraft  degree of workout of pilots  staff on the ground

As launch system was chosen the winch because we consider it a very safe and effective means.

The choice fell on the greatest manufacturer currently operating in Europe to which are relying prestigious authorities as the english Air Cadtes or our own military Aeronautica that in Guidonia will receive two winches of Skylaunch. Our winch will be able to launch a glider every five minutes and is equipped with all the latest technology Skylaunch, delivered May 30, 2015. Equipped with a 6-liter Chevrolet engine with nearly 500 Hp of power and torque of more than 750 kg / m already at 1,500 rpm up to 4,500 makes it suitable to the launch of each type of means thanks to its automatic system of traction.

However, we will have (even though not always) a Rally 235 in order to practice aerotow, mainly for early morning taking off and distance tasks. The winch can not guarantee us an instantaneous climbing, that’s why we will use the motor- plane in the appropriate situations.

Flying Zone Where we are:

At middle-road between Madrid City and Valencia, beneath the rage of mountains of Cuenca known as “Serranía Conquense”, fairly to the SE from the joint between Sistema Central and Sistema Ibérico, other two rages of mountains. Thanks to this luckily situation, it generates convergence phenomenon in where we will find liftings over two long ways without turning almost any thermal. Let’s remember that Spain has got a large plain located just in the center of the country, which has got a strong continental weather, moderately dry, that aids the convergence phenomena.

Therefore, we can finally divide our area in two main zones: South-Convergence Zone and North-Convergence Zone. On the one hand, the South one, will even make us able

to get to Andalucía. On the other hand, the North one, will make us get closer to Sierra de Gredos and Ávila City where is located nearby the Eduardo Castellano’s airfield in which we could make a stop.

At the same time, in particular intense days that aren’t rare, it will be possible flying around the Madrid’s TMA going down towards Sistema de Sierra Morena (Granada), thanks to the early morning taking off from LESS, where flight conditions appears at 10:00 a.m.

Certainly, flights is not susceptible to difficulties, specially whether we fly over the Tajo’s Valley, near Talavera de la Reina, that will surely be the most difficult part of the task.

Below, a view of our base and some circuit maps and dedicated zones:

Zone 1: Reserved to glider movement, trailers and open parking

Zone 2: Parking zone for private glider trailers

Zone 3: Taking off zone, dedicated mainly to winch taking off.

COORDINATES: - 40º 12′ 15″ N 002º 08′ 38″ W

RADIO FREQUENCY: 123,45

Then, you will see some examples about published flights on the OLC’s web.

It is remarkable that taking offs were done in the early morning, and the performance of convergence over the rage of mountains of Cuenca towards Teruel is always so active. However just above Teruel City, it frequently appears some Cumulonimbus, formerly on spring.

Here, an early morning leaving allows us to complete long flights, too. In this case, above the upland located in the plain until get to Montes de Toledo. A whole thermal flight with remarkable lifts. Above the uplands, thermals are so powerful, they can overpass the 4 m/s rising with astounding tips as you’ll see in the following maps. (Made by Francesco Padovano into a Libelle H201B). What’s more, thermals were around 10 and 9m/s over Puerto Lápice (Montes de Toledo) and Madridejos respectively, in full plain. Moreover, we can also see a spring day where there were thermals around 7,5m/s.

An amazing flight done through a convergence of 1000km, check out the taking off hour.

Here’s another great flight going through the convergence towards Soria, more than 1000km done.

Very interesting flight joining the South convergence and thermals on the plain. Over 1000km done.

Is not necessary a last generation machine to make extraordinary flights. Here, we’ll see our flight instructor José Antonio Blanco making a more thank 500km flight with a humble school glider Twin Astir I.

Airfield Eduardo Castellanos – Villacastín

Thanks to an agreement with our friends of Eduardo Castellano’s Airfield, located between Ávila and Segovia, beneath Sierra de Gredos, It will be possible to do a break for longer flights.

Here we will find a great hospitality and all the necessary services to spend the night there and take off the morning after. The big social area, the soaring environment and the wooden cottages endowed with all the essential services will give us such a lovely adventure. I’ve got a TOST winch so as to launch gliders and an aerotow sistem, employing the Rally 235.

Even for the ones who doesn’t fly, there are thousands of activities to do, prepared by some sports and adventure enterprises in Cuenca

And again thousands of chances in the City. Ask us for more information and we will aid you to find your most suitable activity, with pleasure.

Spa, RELax, shopping… A city rich of suggestions and alternative activities such as a modern city!

From theatre to Opera, there is always an interesting proposal for who is with us.

There is transfer from/to the train station, thereby it will be much easier to program a little holiday or just a simple “long” week-end. Let’s make questions with any fear, we will do our best to guarantee you a better assistance.

In the luxurious Parador of Cuenca you’ll be able to spend a relaxing day and enjoy beautiful sights from the famous “Hanging Houses”, just in front of the hotel. Rescued from an old convent, the hotel has preserved its historical architecture. The fresh area of the inner yard is ideal to keep from the sun at midday or just to read a book. This elegant and comfortable hotel link together old-fashioned and modern comfort styles to guarantee a lovely time in the historical Cuenca.

You’ll surely be impressed by the ancient shrine, converted in a coffee bar, the swimming pool and the beautiful sights that you can see from the windows of the rooms. Recently restructured, the rooms are rather cute thanks to their simply decoration suitable with the building. Sights on the meander and the walls in the Huecar’s river are so breathtaking. In hotter months, you can have a lovely bath in the outdoor pool, or else, you can also train in the gym. There is also a sauna where you can relax after doing your activities.

An exceptional restaurant offers a vast menu with choices for all the likes and even specialized menus for celiac people or people with some intolerance. An amazing building in a great place, following the long chain of “Paradores Nacionales”, it is sure that you will be very pleased with the offered service.

Parador of Cuenca is convinced that a good staying is an integral experience that links accommodation, gastronomy and activities in the environment, therefore the guest will have the opportunity to enjoy to the maximum his staying. Catering deserves a chapter aside, based in traditional recipes of the country, it changes following the seasons. An experience that you can not lose.

This is why Paradores Experience was created, just to offer the possibility of link together standings and cultural activities that are proposed inside the city to enrich the experience of costumers.

Let’s relax in a place surrounding by peace and serenity. A charming hotel at barely 7 km from Cuenca, immerse in an exuberant hood of pines, this hotel is represented like a new concept of independent suites of vanguard, with a comfortable indoor design. Elegance is breathed in the hotel nature and it has a unique personality with its 5 bungalow, 4 single rooms and a fifth one with two rooms and a living room, projected to offer a perfect equilibrium between elegance and relax. Each bungalow has its own personality, showed through its predominant color. Each suite has got a path, air conditioner, free Wi-Fi, minibar, water boiler and a coffee machine. What’s more, it has got a private pool filled with saltwater and a terrace where you can taste the flavor of tranquility surrounded by nature, and privacy…

We are talking about a non-stop surprising service, like morning breakfasts in the common living room, or in your own room whenever you want. The hotel accepts animals inside so as not to force their costumers to leave them at home.

Gardenie Suite: a Chelsea stylish suite, is a little house painted in soft blue and following a perfect combination with the original Chelsea Textiles fabrics which decorates the rest of the house.

Junior Suite Peonia: Warm and comfortable, based on green and dark red colors, is decorated with old-fashioned English furniture. It has got 40 square meters, a bath with waterfall-mode shower and hydromassage shower with rain effect. It might be the best terrace with the most beautiful sights.

Junior Suite Glicine: made with huge windows from roof to the ground with good sights towards the late afternoon and, why not? While having a bath in the private pool. All the furnishing comes from Becara. Flax curtains of Yute signature, and a big Quercus Nobilis bed. It is featured by its old shard floor.

Junior Suite Camelia: It has got a perfect equilibrium between Chelsea Textiles furniture, Colefax&Flowers decorations and some Becara items. A spacious room with around 30msq with big whole-wall windows and a little terrace. Moreover, here you can also have a little bath in its private pool.

Magnolia Suite: The biggest suite, it offers two double bedrooms and a huge living room. Curtains and pillows are made by Lewis & Wood mark. Furnishing from Asian Collection in perfect harmony with textiles from CT. An opportunity to share with family or friends in order to spend an amazing holiday enjoying all suite services.

In the Boutique Pinar’s Hotel, they are lovers of gastronomy, foremost of local cook. They put on determination and passion in traditional local recipes, we recommend you the vegetables croquettes. Saltwater swimming pools benefits its salt to the water perfect maintenance thanks to electrolysis of salt that integers into the filtering system in so that the water remains without any infection. All of this in a full natural way, without employing dangerous chemical products.

Another particular aspect of this hotel, is his manners, like once time before. This “slow- movement” and accuracy in each detail and handmade products, makes real that it is possible to follow other rhythm. Moreover, you can have some long walks and trekking around the zone. You can also go to the golf field or the Shooting club nearby.

Services Some services are necessary to be paid, we ask you to visit the hotel website directly: www.chvictoriahotelboutiquepinar.es

Situated in the center of the city, nearby the old quartier and just in front of a beautiful park where the Jucar’s river passes, The Torremangana’s Hotel has got a luxury of 4 stars.

The hotel features 119 rooms, all of them well-decorated by the outside, as we could wait from its modern architectural structure. Moreover, all rooms offers music through a music line and direct telephone. La Cocina Restaurant, propose a local cooking, prepared only with the best ingredients.

They propose a daily menu in which you can choose between two different main courses and two different second courses. Furthermore, you’ll be able to have some famous Spanish “tapas” in the bar lounge or in the summer terrace. There are able the private lounges, too, for events.

This hotel has got a lot of comfort and brilliant service, for instance, free Wi-Fi connection in the whole building. Even though being a modern structure, it maintains expenses and quality in a high place, we can realize about it just watching the spacious rooms with good-looking bathrooms. Moreover, from the direction, they are making a day-to-day effort to bring visibility to the city to place it in an international level, contributing with a special attention towards the costumer.

A particular aspect is the fact that in this hotel they speak English and Italian too. If you want a minimum price guarantee, you must book in advance directly on their website, it may cost 45 euro per night: http://www.hoteltorremangana.com .

In the heart of the Historical Center of Cuenca, there is a singular building made in the XVII century, first it was used as monastery but later it was as “Colegio de los infants del coro de San José”, where the best white voices of the regions tested their songs.

In 1993, Jennifer and Antonio Cortinas re-opened the doors of the inn, conserving to the max, its simply austere character, in order to receive the current guest and offer him the essence of hospitality of the town. The passion put from the holders, makes easier to get permeate of all this vital harmony, the rustic and hospitality, the testing menus prepared with accuracy but foremost, the splendid sights you can see from the windows of the rooms.

The inn offers 22 bedrooms to choose between single, double or family room. Everyone of them with bathrooms. Practically, all rooms has got their sights on Huecar’s river, and some of them, have got splendid balconies. Moreover, this inn offers a comfortable lounge with direct access to the garden where is possible to have reunions for about 20 persons.

The night offers a huge variety of “tapas” and little homemade courses so that the costumer can taste the typical plates of the zone, don’t forget to taste their wines, too C/ Julián Romero, 4 16001 Cuenca (Casco Antiguo) España Tel.: (+34) 969 21 13 00 Fax: (+34) 969 23 03 65 E- mail: info@posadasanjose.

Cuenca’s Golf Club: Situated in the Villar de Olalla locality. It has got a course of 18 buche par 72 where every athlete will can enjoy the golf rout with a big variety of hits, playing with all the sticks of the sack.

To access to the golf field, you shall show your license with handicap indication and the ticket of the green fee. http://www.cuencagolfclub.es

Where to eat in Cuenca

Next, a little list of suggestions that comes from personal experience. However, we have to remember that Cuenca is a very cookery city. Here beneath, you’ll see some of the best cookery places that will be of your pleasure.

Asador de Antonio: Taste the typical courses: Morteruelo and Gazpacho pastor, then, obviously, pig. All delicious. It is a well-decorated and clean place, with a perfect service, the employees are kind and accommodating. Better than lots of restaurants in all the touristic zone! Avenida Castilla La Mancha, 3, 16003, Cuenca, Spain.

Meson Candela: Rich courses and an excellent service. This is not a traditional restaurant because of its menu, you ask for shareable plates so as to taste most of them. Without doubt, a great idea with success that will make our standing much more lovely.

Asador María Morena: A drink for dinner, an excellent service and spectacular food. Between salad, pig and a menu with so much variety, this restaurant will be really a pleasure. An authentic and genuine place where enjoy one of the most beautiful visits in the city.

El Bodegón: This is a restaurant with typical homemade food, abundant, well-cooked courses, unbeatable prices. This is not a high cooking restaurant, but a traditional one. Meat and codfish are very interesting choices. It is frequently crowed of local people due to its success. It is fairly difficult to find it, but it’s worth. C/Carrillo San Roque, 1, 16004 Cuenca, Spain.

Bien Porteño: Argentinian restaurant with excellent service and high quality cooking. Parque de San Julián 18, 16001 Cuenca, Spain.

Sidrería la Figal: A little piece of Asturias in Cuenca. Really good cooking coming from the north of Spain, they have an optimum cider which is old-style served. It is well known because of its octopus. Lorenzo Goni, 5, 16004 Cuenca, Spain

Mamma Mía: If you really can’t living without Italian food, here you are your restaurant. It is owned to some Italian people with a lot of experience. They’ve got a remarkable Tiramisu. Pay attention: They don’t accept credit card yet. Calle Bellavista 207 16002 Cuenca, Spain.

El Quinto Pecado: Without doubt, one of the best restaurant of “tapas” of the city. It has good prices, delicious tapas and the best is that it’s located in the most modern part of the city. c/Alvarez Rubianes 4, Cuenca, Spain.

We cannot forget the previous hotel restaurant, specially these ones:

Parador Nacional: It is quite charming, and it has, absolutely, an excellent service.

Posada San José: It offers remarkable suggestions, if you want to discover the most traditional courses, come to this restaurant, you’ll not regret.

Torre Mangana: If we prefer international food, your place is Torre Mangana Hotel’s Restaurant.

Nevertheless, Cuenca is still being a modern city, so If you don’t want to go to a restaurant, you can also find the typical fast-food stations, you can choose from pizza to an hamburger.

Let’s do a special mention to:

La Bodeguilla de Basilio: I haven’t got any doubts when I declare that this is the best “tapas” premises of the city. It results difficult not to fall in the temptation of a good wine there, accompanied by those tapas that will be considered lunch or even dinner.

Furthermore, the premises is astounding, it has a surprising inner design, really comfortable.

A reasonable price for a pair of wines and two tapas that seems alike courses for barely 7 euro. One of the places where you must go. Calle Fray Luis de León, 3, Cuenca, Spain.

Where we are: Cuenca is located in Castilla la Mancha’s region, middle-road between Madrid and Valencia City. It is very well linked, getting on speed trains we could be in Madrid or Valencia in less than an hour. However, it has rather a good road web that ease our movement in car.

Famous lands because of its handmade products and monuments which some of them were the background of “Don Quijote de la Mancha”. In a trip to these zones, you must visit the Humanity Patrimony City of Cuenca or Toledo! If you love History and culture, you will like its 4 archaeological parks, some of the oldest rock paintings examples. You will also find some events like the International Classic Theatre Festival in Almagro. Nature is unique too, in fact, Castilla la Mancha is one of the most big reserve of natural parks of the European territories (for instance: Tablas de Daimiel and Cabañeros) They will conquer you!

In this region it evolves all kind of traditional celebrations like the Corpus Domini, in Toledo, Saint Week in Cuenca, The Albacete Fair or the “Tamborada” of Hellín. Finally, there is no lack of typical plates like the Alcarria’s honey, the “Mazapán” of Toledo…

Weather: Spain is one of the hotter countries in the world.

The prevailing weather is the Mediterranean one, it encourages dry summers and equilibrated winters. In Spain, you can enjoy over 3000 hours of sun per year. It isn’t strange to think, so, that this zone is one of the hotter of Europe. Now, we shall remember the Canary Islands, their particular position, in front of the Africa coasts, allows the existence of a lovely weather with warm temperatures (around 22º C average), without too much difference between day and night temperature.

However, variety is the main feature of our weather, because of its geography. Then, if you travel to the north, concretely to Cantabria, you will find a wet weather. Furthermore, in the higher zones of the country, weather results rough and snow presence is frequently given from winter to spring. We are talking about “Pirineos”, Sierra Nevada, Central System and Iberic System… In Cuenca’s zone we enjoy a lovely warm continental weather, but heights and its closeness to the mountains, makes it quite fresh.

Documents: Passport or valid Identity card. People under 16 years old can be written into their father’s, mother’s passport, when those people have the same nationality they can travel together. Furthermore, if the underage person travels with an identity card, he/she shall be accompanied with a parent’s permission. What kind of products can I bring to Spain? There are no limits of goods quantity that you can buy or bring to Spain, you can do it only if it have personal uses. In this case you will not need to prove their personal use if the amount is less than 800 cigarettes, 400 mini-cigars, 200 cigars, a kilogram of tobacco, ten liters of spirits, 20 liters of fortified wine, 90 liters of wine and 110 liters beer. It is also mandatory to declare the transport of cash if yours exceed € 9,999.99. Travelers are forbidden to introduce within the European Union, food of animal origin for personal consumption carried as part of their baggage (meat and meat products, milk and dairy products). A general exception milk powder in commercial kits for children, and food for special medical needs. Travelers coming from the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland may carry small amounts of meat and dairy products for personal consumption. All other foods may be brought into Spain up to a maximum weight of one kilogram.

Once in Spain, the traveler can carry in his luggage merchandise personal or family use or gifts, which will not be considered commercial goods, regardless of the amount or nature of the same. This evaluation will be entrusted to the customs service of the frontier post.

Traveling with pets It’s required to follow three General rules: animals must be accompanied by their owners or representatives, must be properly identified and the health certificate must be accompanied by the Spanish version. Remember that pets shall be provided with a veterinary certificate or passport, depending on the species.

If your pet is a dog, a cat or a ferret:

It is not allowed the entry of dogs, cats and ferrets under three months of age because they haven’t been vaccinated against rabies.

To enter Spain the animal must meet health criteria and identification, which may vary depending on the country of origin. You can access them on the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment. (http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/ganaderia/legislacion/animales-compania-normativa- zoosanitaria.aspx).

In most cases, your pet will have to be identified by tattoo or microchip, also, his passport will be in effect and indicate that has been vaccinated against rabies; in case of first vaccination, the animal won’t travel until at least 21 days.

If your pet is a bird: Birds from countries outside the European Union must pass the control requirements imposed for security reasons (bird flu), regulated on the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment. In any case, the animal must be provided with a veterinary certificate drawn up in Spanish and released in the last 10 days (for EU member states). For the rest of the countries the same certificate must be signed and stamped by an official veterinarian and accompanied by a declaration of the owner or his representative. Birds from the yard cannot be considered pets.

Other species:

They will all be equipped with the appropriate veterinary certificate, drawn up in Spanish and released in the 10 days preceding the journey.

In addition, if they come from a country outside the European Union, in the following link of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment will review the information on the entry into Spain of pet animals, depending on the pet kind and the country origin. (http://cexgan.magrama.es/Modulos05/Publico/InformacionMercados.aspx?proc=6)

At the time of the request for issuance of health certificate, it is necessary to remember that animals should be required to be examined in the five days prior to departure from the country of origin. On the Ministry of Environment’s website, it’s possible to consult the legislation and track the corresponding modules for certificates and passports, all written in Spanish and English.

It will useful for you to know:

A phone number for emergency veterinary in the resort you are visiting with your pet.

Besides satisfying the entry conditions, remember that:

• The muzzle is mandatory in some Spanish regions.

• Not all establishment allow animals.

• In most restaurants pets are not allowed.

• The municipal authorities set the points, the times of year and times for free movement or presence of dogs on the beaches.

Before starting the journey, we recommend you to inquire with the hotel accommodation and transportation company chosen on the admission and the conditions for travel with pets.

Health and Safety The National System of Spanish Health has an extensive network of health centers and hospitals located throughout the country.

Health centers are provided with primary care services (family medicine, pediatrics and nursing, in some cases matrons are available, such as physiotherapists and social workers). They are distributed so as not to require a shift time more than 15 minutes from any place of residence. If circumstances requires, medical care can be provided in the patient's home. Moreover, in rural areas and smaller municipalities, there are local surgeries where professional doctors of the zone work.

In hospitals it is given specialized care, which is accessed on voluntary indication of primary care services. There is also a First Aid service in hospitals and at certain health centers.

You can check hospitals and health centers in Spain on the web page of the Ministry of Health. Ministry of Health In Spain, medicines must be purchased in pharmacies. You will identify them on the road thanks to a green cross. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment. If you are from an EU country or a state that has agreements with Spain, you will receive the same benefits from the Spanish pharmaceutical.

The free phone number 112 (valid throughout Spain) will answer in Spanish but, in tourist areas, also in English, French and German.

In Spain it is forbidden to smoke in all enclosed public places, including public transport vehicles or collective. No smoking is allowed also in health centers, including outdoor areas that are part of the fence, in any room of the educational centers and training, except in open areas of universities and adult education, nor in the precincts of the parks childhood and play areas, open spaces for minors. However, there are exceptions to the general rule. At the prison and psychiatric interiors and patients people can smoke in outdoor areas of its buildings, or in closed halls where smoke is allowed. In homes for the elderly and for disabled people, however, it is possible to have a specific area for smokers. The prohibition isn’t applied to private clubs, suitable for smokers. Hotels and similar establishments can have smoking rooms, but they must be in separate zones and be equipped with an independent ventilation system.

In Spain, the awareness of celiac disease is increasing, as is the importance of offering gluten-free foods. For this reason, more and more hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, parks and leisure centers can respond to the needs of people with celiac disease. You can find a list of these places on the official website of the Federation of Associations of Celiacs of Spain. (http://www.celiacos.org/).

In addition, the Federation encourages the tourist who does not speak Spanish, to spend a minute reading the following (translated) text:

"I am celiac. If you eat foods that contain wheat, rye, barley, oats, kamut, spelled and triticale, or derivative products, I can feel bad. Among the products that I’m intolerant, are included flour, bread, pasta, croquettes, cakes, sauces and some sausages. We, celiac people, can eat meat, fish, eggs, legumes, fruits, vegetables, rice, corn, soybeans and potatoes also. We can consume these products without flour cooked, boiled, grilled or raw. If during the preparation of the meal you should have doubts, don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks.”

You do have right to a medical assistance and free hospital Presenting the European Health Insurance Card (EHI) you’ll receive care provided by a family doctor at health centers or at home if you are unable to move. Whether you need the intervention of a specialist or being admitted to a hospital, the doctor will give the corresponding certificate (or request). Hospitals are equipped with First Aid service.

In any case, you will need to be in possession of the European Health Insurance Card (TSE):

The European Health Insurance Card will entitle you to receive during a temporary stay the same necessary health care of the rest of Spanish citizens. The period of validity is indicated on the same card, which can be used in all EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Doctors and private hospitals Spaniards do not accept the European Health Insurance Card. If you want to receive medical care in this type of structure, you will have to bear their own costs or take out a health insurance policy to cover such losses.

Find out more on health care if you are not an EU citizen

Countries with EU regulation: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. In case of emergency due to illness or accident it is provided for the same healthcare services of the member countries.

Countries with which Spain has bilateral agreements: Andorra, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Paraguay. Is there free medical and hospital care in urgent cases of illness or accident, so you need to travel provided the corresponding certificate from the country of origin. In the absence of such a certificate you will need to anticipate the payment of all hospital expenses, medical and pharmaceutical keep all your bills and present them to your health service belong to request the refund.

Other Countries:

In case of emergency, you’ll still receive medical care, but it shall to be paid, therefore we recommend to have got a health insurance policy. In any case, we recommend you to check with your health board membership on the requirements in effect needed to receive medical care in Spain.

Is Spain a safe country?

In general, Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe for tourists.

As in any other country, there exists minimum security measures.

We advise you to avoid driving into the wilderness or in dim lighting, as well as to participate in street gambling. It is advisable to take only the money you need each time you exit. Care must be taken in places where are large agglomerations of people, such as public transport or department stores. In places for leisure time, do not leave items such as mobile phones or cameras.

Do not forget an advice from experts on citizen security:

Prevention is the best solution to avoid problems, so, if you need help, please contact the police using the phone number 112.

Spanish Schedules:

What time do shops open?

Usually the business hours are from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 13.30 and from 16.30 to 20.00.

Shopping malls and department stores are open all day from 10.00 to 21.00 or 22.00. Some Sundays of the year, large areas are open to the public.

Furthermore, in the coastal regions, during the high season, shops remain open even after 22:00. In many cities the opening is free and the times to do shopping are much wider. Pharmacies are generally open from 9.30 to 13.30 and from 16.30 to 20.00, but in some large cities there are 24-hour pharmacies. There is a schedule of rotating shifts exhibited in pharmacies and published in the newspapers for the services night and on weekends.

What are our usual business hours?

The usual time for breakfast is from 8 to 10 am. Lunch, at restaurants, is from 13 until 15.30. Dinner is served from 20:30 till 23:00. Many factories do continued service throughout the day, a practice common in cafes and bars, many of which you can eat tapas, combined dishes, sandwiches and tapas.

Even cinemas have a flexible schedule, which starts between 16.30 and 17:00 in continued session, which often carries the latest projection at 22:00, although in large cities there are also rooms with night hours. Theaters typically offer a single session, which begins approximately at 20:00.

Night in Spain has a special significance, especially from Thursday to Sunday. Pubs, disco-pubs and discos are usually open until 3 or 4 in the morning and in big cities there are a lot of premises that stay open until dawn.

What time is it in Spain?

As for time zones, it is applied across the peninsula and the Balearic Islands that corresponding to the Greenwich meridian (GMT), with an extra hour in winter and two hours more in summer. In Canary Islands, it is applied the time zone of Greenwich meridian, plus one hour in summer, so there is always a time difference of one hour less than the time of the Peninsula and Balearic Islands.

As a matter of energy savings, in Spain it changes the time in summer and winter. In this way, the last weekend of October, it puts back the clock one hour (03:00 to 02:00) and the last weekend of March, put forward one hour (02:00 to 03:00 am).

Language:

The official language is Castilian, but coexists with some local languages of the various Autonomous Regions and therefore Catalan, Valencian, the vascuence and Galego. Anyway, everyone is able to speak Spanish and many in English, especially young people who have studied in bilingual schools.

Currency:

In Spain, as in other EU countries, we use the euro.

Credit cards:

Payment with international credit cards. It is really widespread in Spanish shops, which usually show their symbol entrance. Upon payment, you must show your passport or identity card.

With traveler’s card:

Many hotels, restaurants and shops accept traveler’s card. In this case, you need to show your passport although it must be said that in the inland areas is not easy to exchange them.

Tipping:

Tips are not mandatory, all local Spanish include the price of service. However, it’s usual to leave a tip in bars and restaurants, hotels and taxis, depending on the amount and the generosity of the customer, the normal is to leave around the 10 percent of the total service cost.

Driving in Spain:

Requirements:

Be of age:

To drive in Spain you must be at least 18 years old. To rent a vehicle, 21 years. Many companies also require that the driving license was issued one to two years before. Remember that you must be in possession of a credit card to rent the vehicle.

A driving license in force:

If you are coming from EU Member States, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein: you simply need to carry a valid driving license. If you come from a country other than those listed above, you will be in possession of an International Driving License.

Conditions could be subjected to change, therefore we advise you to contact the Consulate or Embassy of Spain to ensure the correctness of these requirements before embarking on the journey.

Safety standards:

Road safety rules. To drive in Spain is essential to have the knowledge of the following rules on road safety: - It is not allowed to use the phone while driving, unless you use a hands-free device. - Radio and mobile phone must be switched off during refueling. - You must wear a reflective vest out of the vehicle stationed on the carriageway. - It is mandatory the use of warning triangles in event of a forced stop on the road or the hard shoulder. - It is forbidden the installation and use of devices designed to evade the vigilance of traffic agents. - Overtaking is permitted only on the left side of the vehicle that you want to overcome. - It is recommended to keep the lights on all day in order to improve visibility.

In addition: - It is necessary to respect the speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways and toll free, 100 km/h on ordinary roads, 90 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in residential areas. – The alcohol level in blood mustn’t exceed the limit of 0.5 g/L (0.25 mg/l in exhaled air). - The use of seat belts is mandatory for the driver and all passengers in the front seats and rear of the vehicle. - The use of helmets is also mandatory in motorcycle and bicycle. - Parking on public roads is not always possible or free. In many cities, parking areas are subject to regulation and payment. They are normally identified by the presence of parking meters in the area. Please, be very careful in not to exceed the alcohol limits in blood nor speed of more than 50% of the limit fixed because it incurs criminal offense.

There are certain specifications that must be taken into account when traveling in the car with children: You're not allowed to travel with babies in your arms.

Children under 12 years old may not occupy the front seat, except if you use an approved decive.

Children younger than three years old must use an approved restraint system, suitable for their size and weight, which has to be attached to the back seat.

Children older than three years old and with a height less than one meter and a half, must use restraint systems appropriate for their size and weight. These guidelines are also applied to taxis, so if you want to travel with a baby in taxi, you need to bring the approved restraint system.

Photograph:

There are no particular difficulties or prohibitions to take pictures in Spain. However we must be careful in photographing children or uploading photos on social networks.

Electriciy:

The voltage in Spain is 220 volts and 50 hertz alternating current. Plugs comply with all the European regulations and respond to system endings round. In any case, in most of the hotels there are adapters for special plugs. Make sure that the electrical devices you use (computer, mobile phone chargers, shavers ...) work with the aforementioned voltage.

Dress code:

Garments in Spain change depending on the time, the year, the place and circumstances. On the coast, thanks to the mild climate, normally you don’t need to bring warm clothing, while inside you should respect the temperatures of each season, which are usually very marked and opposing, cold in winter and hot in summer.

Links of interest:

ww.aventuradecabrejas.com www.cuenca.org www.cuencaventura.com www.jccm.es www.spain.info www.cuenca.es : Ayuntamiento de Cuenca http://cuencaenamora.com/ http://www.escapadarural.com/casas-rurales/cuenca http://www.turismocuenca.com/alojamiento-cuenca-y-provincia http://www.vercuenca.com/Dormir-Cerca http://www.toprural.com/Casas-rurales_Cuenca_0_794_p.html https://www.rusticae.es/hoteles-con-encanto/espana-castilla-la-mancha-cuenca-01468 http://turismo.cuenca.es http://www.turismocuenca.com/ http://www.turismocastillalamancha.es/cuenca/ http://ciudadencantadacuenca.com/visitar-cuenca.html http://www.campingcuenca.com/ http://www.vayacamping.net/espana/castilla-la-mancha/cuenca http://www.busturisticocuenca.es/rutas.php http://www.urbanoscuenca.com/