The Hanging Houses, or Casas Colgadas, are one of the most incredible architectural complexes of Spain. Towering over the city of Cuenca, these buildings are famous for the way they have been constructed and their incredible location, hanging over the ravine of the river Huécar and characterising the city from the distance. The origin of these popular houses dates back to the 15th century. The houses used to have three or four floors, with two or three rooms each. The base was masonry, while a wooden framework was made for the upper parts. Today, only three houses remain, the Casa de la Sirena and the Casas del Ray.

The curious name comes from the visual effect created by the cantilevered wooden balconies that protrude from the ledge of the cliff. The Flemish draftsman and landscaper, Anton van den Wyngaerde, fell in love with them on his trip to Cuenca in 1565, and portrayed them in one of his works. This piece is the first graphic reference of the hanging houses of which there is evidence. In addition to him, other renowned artists, such as Rusiñol or Sorolla, captured this jewel of popular architecture in their creations.

Today, the hanging houses are the headquarters of the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art. Visitors who come to the museum, in addition to admiring the works of its complete collection, can see the different wooden components, such as the original beams, and discover lots of interesting facts about its long history. This iconic landmark of Cuenca is a must see for every tourist visiting Cuenca.