Last week on our Spanish trip from Madrid we went to Segovia for the day. It is very easy to get there - a high-speed train, accelerating up to 220 km/h, takes only 30 minutes and costs 20 euros in both directions. The station is located at a fairly significant distance from the city, but everything is very conveniently organized for tourists: at the information desk they give a map, show where the bus going to Segovia itself is, and answer all questions. They even speak English there, which is an incredible rarity for Spain.
1. The historic center of Segovia has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are three main attractions - the Roman aqueduct, the Alcazar and the Cathedral. In the photo there is just an aqueduct. This part of it is 28 meters high, and the stones are held under their own weight, without any cement or other solutions.
2. The aqueduct was built in the 1st century AD. - can you believe it?
3. This is what it looks like from the city - the height of a 4-story building!
4. The city is divided into 2 parts: the lower city, which is more modern, where this photo was taken, and the upper city, which lies inside the city walls.
7. I never tire of being amazed at how different Spain is! From Segovia to Madrid is less than 100 km, and the landscape is completely different! Do you see the snow on the top of the mountain? There are more than 2 thousand meters!
9. Upper, medieval city.
10. Literally labyrinthine streets.
15. The second main attraction of Segovia is the Cathedral.
16. Main square.
17. The cathedral was founded in the 16th century.
18. It’s a bit empty inside and very, very cold!
19. By the way, entrance is paid - 3 euros, in my opinion.
21. Backyard of the cathedral.
22. View of the city and the cathedral from the Alcazar. The photo clearly shows the wall surrounding the city.
25. Outside the city walls.
26. The Alcazar was built on a rock. This is a real castle - with the armor of knights, a moat, massive walls, and a watchtower.
27. A river flows between the shooting point and the castle itself. If you are in the city, don’t be too lazy to walk or drive to this place, from where you can see the entire Alcazar.
28. We asked the taxi driver to take us there, simply showing him the approximate location on the map. Seeing me crawling through the grass with a camera, he understood everything and took us to another observation point and explained in his fingers that newlyweds come here to take pictures.
29. Here, across the river, ancient churches are scattered.
30. This is what the castle looks like from the courtyard.
32. Castle wall. The terrain is clearly visible - continuous ravines and hills.
33. Neighborhood. Everything is still green, but by September, I think the landscape will become scorched yellow under the local sun. We were in Toledo just in September and were surprised at how ominous the nature looked.
34. The castle, which also has an entrance fee (about 6 euros), has a tower with 152 steps leading up to it. You should definitely go up there - this is the only way to see the entire city center in its entirety.
35. This is the view. Worth the climb, right?
38. In the courtyard of the Alcazar there are several mighty trees, on the tops of which storks have built nests. Several were hatching eggs, and in one I noticed already hatched chicks. Parents circle over the yard, bringing in their beaks all sorts of things needed in everyday life.
41. We move to the old city again.
Segovia is an ancient Castilian city on the rocky plateau of the Meseta. It is located 90 km from Madrid in the largest region of Spain - Castile and Leon. The city has preserved a unique atmosphere of the past; echoes of ancient times - Roman, Visigothic, Arabic, Spanish - can be heard in the ancient streets. Since 1985, Segovia has been included in the UNESCO register.
Segovia (photo: Jenny)
- an ancient Castilian city on the rocky plateau of the Meseta. It is located 90 km from Madrid in the largest region of Spain - Castile and Leon. The city has preserved a unique atmosphere of the past; echoes of ancient times - Roman, Visigothic, Arabic, Spanish - can be heard in the ancient streets. Since 1985, Segovia has been included in the UNESCO register.
A little history
Segovia (photo: Ismael Gómez Tena)
Traces of Celtic settlements were discovered on the rocks near the Alcazar fortress. Under the ancient Romans, who lived here in the 1st century BC, Segovia became an important economic center; under the Visigoths it was the capital of the episcopate. In 714 - 1085 the city belonged to the Arabs, was recaptured from them by Alfonso VI and after 1088 began to grow and be revived. In the 17th century, the city experienced several terrible epidemics; in the 19th century it suffered the invasion of the Napoleonic army. A new economic and cultural rise of Segovia began in the middle of the 20th century.
How to get to Segovia?
Travel from Madrid by train to Segovia Guiomar station. The trip will take 30 minutes. and will cost €12.90. The Segovia Guiomar stop is 5 km from the city, so you need to change to a bus or taxi.
Map of Segovia attractions
Sights of Segovia
Quite a few monuments from different eras have been preserved in the city; one might even say that almost the entire old part of the city is one large open-air museum. The visiting card of the city is, built about 3000 years ago.
Segovia (photo: Todor Kamenov)
Decoration of the historical part of Segovia - (Alcázar de Segovia). The beautiful palace stands on the top of a cliff and is connected to the city by secret underground passages. The Alcazar has existed since ancient Roman times. Over the years, he changed his appearance and name more than once. It was an Arab fortress, royal residence, prison and military school. Since the middle of the 20th century, the Alcazar has been declared a museum.
Segovia (photo: Jeff)
The most outstanding temple of Segovia - gigantic late Gothic (Catedral of Santa Maria de Segovia).
The city has several more churches and monasteries that have existed since the Middle Ages: Monastery of El Parral(1447); Church of St. Millena (Iglesia de San Millán)(1120); Church of La Vera Cruz (Iglesia de la Vera Cruz), founded in the 12th century. Templars; Church of St. Stephen (Iglesia de San Esteban) with the tallest bell tower in Spain.
In the city museums you can see works of old masters, modern exhibitions, and expositions of the historical heritage of Segovia:
- Museum of Segovia (La Casa Del Sol)
- Cathedral Museum (Museo Catedralicio)
- House-Museum of Antonio Machado (Casa-Museo de Antonio Machado)
- Museum of the Artillery Academy (Museo Específico de la Academia de artillería)
- Museum of Contemporary Art Esteban Vicente (Museo De Arte Contemporáneo Esteban Vicente)
- Museum of Soloaga (Museo Zuloaga)
- Royal Mint (Real Casa de Moneda de Segovia)
- Museum Robero-Robles (Museo Rodera-Robles)
Events, holidays, events
Segovia (photo: 59_Javier Román)
Many bright, truly Castilian holidays are held in Segovia:
The most popular events take place in June: holidays Saint John and Saint Peter (Fiestas de San Juan y San Pedro)- These are ancient folk festivals that have existed since the 15th century. On the occasion of the holiday, various parades, concerts, and bullfights are held.
In August, residents celebrate the festival of San Lorenzo (Fiesta de San Lorenzo), in September - D Day of the Virgin of Fuencisla (Fiesta de la Virgen de la Fuencisla), October 25th is a holiday Fiesta San Frutos, in honor of the city's patron saint, who heals injuries and hernia. The celebration is accompanied by choral singing in the cathedral.
Food, drinks, entertainment
Local restaurants specialize in traditional national cuisine. Segovia is famous for its meat delicacies, sausages, suckling pigs and lambs. Fish dishes are prepared here from trout caught in mountain rivers, vegetables are grown in local fields, and sweets are made according to ancient monastery recipes. Try it at the Limón y Menta pastry shop (Calle de la Infanta Isabel, 2) Segovian punch (ponche segoviano)- This is a sponge cake with lemon cream covered with marzipan.
Segovian wines can be bought in local stores and tasted in bars. For those interested in the technology of producing spirits, a route has been opened in the tourism center of Segovia "Whisky Road".
A program has been created for travelers with children Aventuras en Familias. "Family Adventures" is a special municipal family project. Families can combine outdoor recreation with visits to special farm schools, historical sites, and archaeological excavations.
Neighborhoods of Segovia
Around Segovia there are many medieval towns and villages with interesting and well-preserved castles:
Segovia (photo: ymeng00)
12 km from Segovia in the city La Granja de San Ildefonso you can see the former summer residence of the Spanish kings - Palace of Real. The palace park is designed in the Versailles style and is decorated with 28 fountains located throughout the territory.
Segovia (photo: Enric G. Jordá)
It is interesting to stroll along the ancient streets with medieval mansions in the town Pedraza, located 40 km from Segovia. On the edge of the city stands alone the same name Castillo de Pedraza. Incredible concerts take place in Pedraza on the first and second Saturdays of July Conciertos de las Velas. During the concert, the electric lights throughout the city are turned off and live music is performed under candlelight.
Segovia (photo: Rios Valles)
In the town Turégano, located 30 km north of Segovia there is a 15th century castle. – Castillo de Turégano. Built within the formidable walls of the fortress is the Romanesque Church of St. Miguel. Despite the fact that the castle-church complex has not very well preserved its original appearance, it uniquely adorns the main square of Turegano - Plaza Mayor.
Segovia (photo: amadorgs)
There is another beautiful castle in the city Coca, which is 50 km from Segovia. Castillo de Coca It is made of brick, fortified with a double fortress wall and a deep dry moat. It is considered one of the most beautiful examples of art made in the Gothic-Moorish style.
Segovia, Spain
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Segovia (Spain) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Segovia with descriptions, guides and maps.
City of Segovia (Spain)
Segovia is a city in central Spain in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. Located on a rocky base between the Eresma and Clamores rivers, 90 km northwest of Madrid. Segovia is a romantic, beautiful and ancient city, the historical center of which is surrounded by a wall and has preserved amazing sights and cultural monuments. An ancient Roman aqueduct (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a fairy-tale castle, an impressive cathedral, exquisite Romanesque churches and mystical monasteries testify to a rich cultural and historical heritage. Segovia is one of the best day trip destinations from Madrid and is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Spain that is definitely worth a visit.
Geography and climate
Segovia is located at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains on a hill in the valley of the Eresma and Clamores rivers. The climate is transitional between Mediterranean and Mediterranean oceanic. Summers are hot and dry, winters are cool with slight frosts.
Practical information
- Population - 51.8 thousand people.
- Area - 163.59 square kilometers.
- Language - Spanish.
- Currency - euro.
- Visa - Schengen.
- Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
Best time to visit
Best time to visit: April-June and September-October.
Story
Segovia was founded by the Romans in 80 BC. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, these territories belonged to the Visigoths. From the 8th to the 11th centuries, Segovia was under Moorish rule. It is believed that with the beginning of the Arab invasion of the Pyrenees, the city was abandoned.
In 1085, Segovia was conquered by King Alfonso VI of Castile, who moved his residence here. Isabella I was crowned here in 1474. In 1475, an agreement was signed in Segovia between Fernando of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, which is an important historical event for all of Spain.
The end of the Middle Ages is the time when the city flourished. The textile industry is developing here, magnificent churches, monasteries and castles are being built. Economic prosperity continued until the end of the 16th century, then giving way to a severe recession. By the 17th century, the population of Segovia had decreased by 3 times.
Food and drink
In Segovia you can try typical Castilian cuisine: Cochinillo (roast suckling pig), Iberian sausages, Judiones (bean stew), beef steaks, salads with seasonal vegetables. Many cafes serve tapas.
Attractions
The old town of Segovia houses attractions from Antiquity, the period of Moorish rule and Castile.
The Roman aqueduct is the symbol of Segovia, a monumental ancient structure that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 50s AD during the reign of the Flavians. This antique engineering structure has stood the test of time excellently and is preserved in excellent condition. Its design includes more than 20 thousand granite blocks and 167 arches. The aqueduct is one of the largest existing Roman structures in Spain and was built to bring water from the Acebeda River to the ancient city.
The Alcazar is one of the most beautiful and famous sights of Segovia, a majestic medieval fortress on a steep cliff. Some people believe that the architecture of this building is reminiscent of a castle in Disneyland. Originally there was a military fortress here. The existing castle was built in the 12th century and served as the residence for Alfonso VIII and other Castilian kings. The castle was expanded in Gothic style in the 13th century. The last reconstruction dates back to the 16th century. The entrance to the castle is at Torre de Juan II, a 14th-century tower surrounded by ten semicircular towers. The climb to the Tower of John II will reward you with stunning panoramas of Segovia.
The old town of Segovia is surrounded by powerful medieval walls. These fortifications were built in the 11th and 12th centuries from limestone. The battlements include towers and several entrance gates. The oldest gates: San Andres, San Cebrian and Santiago. Part of the walls is accessible to visitors.
Like many old Castilian cities, Segovia had a fairly large Jewish community. The Old Jewish Quarter is located in the Plaza de la Merced area and charms with its unique medieval atmosphere. Here you can see fragments of an ancient synagogue, visit the Museum of Fine Arts and stroll through the labyrinth of ancient streets.
The Royal Mint is one of the oldest commercial buildings in Spain. It was founded in the 16th century by Philip II and designed by Juan de Herrera. Now there is a museum here.
Casa de los Picos is an aristocratic mansion from the 15th century with an unusual facade. Now it houses an art school and an exhibition hall.
The Royal Palace of San Ildefonso can be called the Spanish Versailles. It was built in the 18th century by Philip V as a royal residence. The palace is a fine example of French Baroque. Visitors can see the throne room and luxurious halls, magnificent Flemish, French and Spanish tapestries, a church with the marble tomb of Philip V. The Royal Palace is located in the town of San Ildefonso, 10 km from Segovia.
Sacred architecture
The Cathedral is a majestic late Gothic church located at the highest point of Segovia. The cathedral was built in the 16th century and is considered the last religious building in the Gothic style in Spain. The building is built of yellow stone, has magnificent architecture, a beautiful facade, bright stained glass windows and a rich interior. The architecture especially stands out due to the high 100-meter tower. Beautiful sculptures, works of art and altars decorate the many chapels of the cathedral, which are closed with bars. The main altar is made of marble, jasper and bronze. The cathedral also has an archive containing more than 500 antiquarian books. The Cathedral of Segovia is located in Plaza Mayor, in the heart of the old town. This area is a labyrinth of winding medieval streets that are also worth exploring.
San Martin is a beautiful ancient church from the 12th century that is an example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Contains a Gothic chapel with tombs of the Herrera family. The church is located in the picturesque small Plaza San Martin with a fountain decorated with sculptures of two mermaids. In a house with four arched galleries, Juan Bravo, one of the leaders of the Comuneros (uprising of the Castilian cities), was born.
Vera Cruz is a magnificent Romanesque church on a small road outside the historic center of Segovia. It was founded by the Knights Templar in the 13th century. The church has a strict and simple interior, a mystical atmosphere and vaults in the Mudejar style.
Parral is a 15th-century monastery located in the picturesque hills outside the old town. It was founded by Henry IV and combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. The main chapel of the monastery is Gothic. The tower is topped with Renaissance ornaments. Around the main altar are elaborate alabaster sculptures.
San Esteban is Segovia's most famous Romanesque church, with a tall tower of six arched segments and a spire. Located in the old town north of Plaza Mayor.
San Millan is a typical 12th-century Romanesque church with three naves and three apses. Located outside the historical center of Segovia in the old Moorish quarter. The interior features exquisite Mudéjar art, horseshoe arches and an interesting 14th-century Gothic crucifix.
San Juan de los Caballeros is an 11th-century Romanesque church that was once the burial place of Segovia's leading families. Nowadays it houses the Museum of Zuloaga (Ignacio and Daniel) artists.
The Church of San Giusto is a pearl of Romanesque architecture with a powerful square tower. It was built in the 13th century and was an important stop on the medieval pilgrimage route of St. James in Santiago de Compostela.
San Clemente is an exquisite 13th-century Romanesque church located outside the ancient walls of Segovia. The interior has an interesting apse with blind arches and beautiful ancient frescoes.
Another photo trip of “Our Spain” and our editors go to the very heart of Spain, to Castile and Leon. This autonomous region, adjacent to Madrid, is a real treasure trove of pearl cities that attract millions of tourists every year with their beauty and unique attractions. Our choice fell on visiting the beautiful Segovia, a fairy tale city that makes you fall in love at first sight.
Interestingly, the first impression of Segovia depends entirely on which side you approach the city from. For example, from the west it is a completely ordinary Spanish town, with a mosaic of brick roofs.
But on the opposite side, there is a beautiful panorama of a beautiful city, surrounded by greenery and attractions.
In 1985, Segovia was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And this is not surprising, because only one Roman aqueduct, located in the very center, deserves the city to be awarded such an honorary title.
It should be noted that the Segovia aqueduct, built approximately 1800 years ago, is the longest surviving aqueduct in Europe. Its length is 818 meters and its height is 29 meters. The aqueduct consists of 170 arches and was built from 25,000 bricks, without the use of any mortar!
But Segovia is not famous for its aqueduct alone! The cathedral and the majestic Alcazar fortress, clearly visible on the city's landscape, indicate that you can stay in this city, perhaps for more than one day.
The full name of the Cathedral is La Santa Iglesia Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y de San Frutos, which translates as “Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother of God and Saint Frutos of Segovia.”
Some sources say that this is the last large Gothic cathedral built in Europe.
Construction of the Cathedral began in 1525 by order of Charles I on the site of the almost completely destroyed St. Mary's Cathedral, which they decided not to restore, but simply to build a new one, using only the surviving gallery.
Segovia is a small city, its population is only 55,000 people, so the attractions here are located quite close to each other. So, for example, from the Cathedral, along the central shopping street, we quickly reached the Alcazar.
All the streets of the city seem to be saturated with history. It seems that the walls of these old houses keep many secrets and legends.
As in any city of tourist interest, on the main street there is a large concentration of gastronomic shops and restaurants whose windows are full of all sorts of delicacies, decorated with local flavor.
Fans of figurines, key rings and magnets will be delighted by the abundance of souvenir shops.
As in most Spanish cities, the galleries of the central square, called Plaza Mayor, are given over to cafes and restaurants.
But, turning off the tourist streets, you find yourself in a real medieval town, where residents live their leisurely lives.
In some places, fragments of the fortress wall that once protected the city have been preserved. These powerful fences seem to grow from the rock on which Segovia rises. The surviving part of the wall is about 3.5 km long and about 9 meters high.
Finally we reached the Alcazar itself, perhaps this is the most impressive landmark of the city.
The fortress (this was precisely the idea during construction), which subsequently managed to take on the role of a prison, a royal residence, and even an artillery academy, was built in the place where the Eresma and Clamores rivers intersect, which undoubtedly provides the Alcazar with the most advantageous strategic position.
According to surveys, the Alcazar of Segovia is one of the most beautiful and recognizable buildings in Spain.
Today, within the walls of the castle there is an artillery museum, which is very popular among tourists.
You can get into it via a bridge. The entrance ticket costs 8 euros, which includes a visit to the Alcazar itself, the museum and the climb to the Torre de Juan II tower.
Once upon a time, on the site of the current Alcazar there was a small wooden fortress, which was chosen as their residence by Alfonso VIII and his wife, Eleanor of England. Later they ordered the construction of a stone fortress on this site.
In addition to the fact that the Alcazar of Segovia, in the Middle Ages, was the favorite residence of the Spanish kings, the most important historical events took place in this building. For example, it was here that Isabella the Catholic was crowned, and here she married Ferdinand.
This wedding tradition was continued by Philip II, who married Anna of Austria in the Alcazar. Under him, the appearance of the fortress was slightly modified. Philip II ordered the roofs of the towers to be covered with graphite slate, aiming to make it more similar to its Central European counterparts.
Soon after these joyful events, the royal court moved to Madrid and a prison was established in the fortress. And only 2 centuries later, King Charles III, who came to power, opened an artillery school within the walls of the Alcazar, which existed here for almost 100 years, until a major fire that seriously destroyed most of the building.
It is interesting to stroll through the halls of the Alcazar. One of the most interesting is the Throne Room. The ceiling, which was badly damaged in a fire, has been restored, and there are also decorative elements made in the Moorish style. The throne chairs decorated with the coat of arms of the Catholic kings also attract the attention of visitors. This work of art was commissioned by Alfonso XIII, in honor of the anniversary of the uprising in Madrid, in 1808.
The next room is the Galley Hall. The most curious element of this hall is the ceiling, created in 1412 in the shape of an overturned ship. Interestingly, the ceiling itself is made using the technique of inlaid wood, and the frieze is in the Moorish Mudejar style.
On one of the walls you can see a painting depicting the moment of the coronation of Isabella the Catholic in the central square of Segovia.
On the wall near the royal box are scenes from the life of the couple of Catholic Kings. The bed itself is covered with a brocade bedspread, decorated with gold embroidery.
