A UNESCO World Heritage Site: El Centro Histórico of Cuenca was declared a UNESCO site in 1999, recognized for its magnificent colonial and republican architecture and its well-preserved, grid-planned layout from the 16th century.
The heart of the city: This is the cultural, religious, and administrative core of Cuenca. Right now, on this Saturday morning, the streets are coming alive with vendors, shoppers, and locals heading to the markets, and the bell towers are likely ringing.
Dominated by its blue-domed cathedral: The iconic skyline is defined by the massive Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción (New Cathedral), famous for its three giant blue-and-white tiled domes, which stand opposite the smaller, historic Old Cathedral.
Centered around Parque Calderón: The main square, Parque Calderón, is the city's primary social gathering spot. It's the central hub from which the historic district radiates, flanked by the cathedrals and municipal buildings.
A living, breathing neighborhood: Unlike some historic centers that are purely for tourists, El Centro is a vibrant, bustling area where thousands of Cuencanos live and work. It's filled with markets (like Mercado 10 de Agosto), countless shops, restaurants, and hidden courtyards.
Home to museums and culture: The district houses most of the city's key museums, including the Pumapungo Museum and Ancestral Park on its edge, the Remigio Crespo Toral Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.