In 1999 the historic core of the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  This is in recognition of the well-preserved colonial town plan in the core, and the range of historic architecture throughout Cuenca.

There are many examples of significant historical architecture throughout the core, but perhaps the most impressive are the colonial Cathedral (originally founded in 1567), the Carmen Convent (founded in 1682), and the Conceptas Convent (founded in 1599).  All are located within the gridiron layout of city blocks in the core.

Although each church or other building is interesting in its own right, the most impressive aspect of Cuenca as a historic city is in the overall preservation of the town plan, with tile-roofed adobe houses abutting the narrow streets, which empty into numerous neighbourhood plazas.