If you’re a fan of architecture, history and like to explore, Segovia, just North-West of Madrid in the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain, is definitely worth a quick visit. I happened to be passing through Madrid and took a couple of days ‘detour’ to explore this historical World Heritage City.
The Alcázar
My first port of call was the Alcázar, originally an 11th century medieval fortress, although since then has been used as a Royal palace for twenty-two monarchs, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College, and a military academy.
The palace-castle is split into two areas, the interior and the tower. I decided I might as well visit the tower and had a short wait as they managed numbers going up and down the narrow stone staircase of 152 steps. When I emerged out onto the top the views of the surrounding area were stunning and you could see right out to the mountains in the distance.
After the visit to the Alcázar it was a short walk into the main area. I should point out there are three sign-posted walks around the old city area, but as usual I like to wander, explore and ‘discover’ for myself.
The Cathedral
Located in the main square, is the Gothic-style Roman Catholic Cathedral. The construction for the apse of this temple began in 1525, and it marks the boundaries between the Plaza Mayor and the Judería Vieja (Old Jewish Quarter).
The 16th century stained glass windows and the Altarpiece designed by Sabatini are particularly notable.
The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia.
Moving further into the old city, one thing you can’t really miss is the Aqueduct, and as you’d expect, it’s a superb example of Roman engineering. I decided to admire the structure while sat at a cafe with coffee and crepes in the Plaza del Azoguejo
The well-preserved Roman Aqueduct of Segovia was built sometime c. 50 BC. It has two tiers of arches, stretches 813 m in length, and consists of four straight segments and two superimposed arcades borne by 128 pillars.
At the lowest point of the valley, the Aqueduct stands at a height of 28.5 m above ground.
Iglesia de San Martin.
The Church of San Martin in the Plaza Medina del Campo, is Mozarabic in origin (a term related to the Christian inhabitants of Spain under the Muslim Moorish kings), and ‘boasts one of the most beautiful Romanesque Atriums in Segovia, which surrounds the church on three of its sides’.
Iglesia de San Millán.
The Church of San Millán is probably the finest example of Romanesque architecture and dates from the 12th Century and is located in the Moorish Quarter that was home to the Mozarab artisans.
The church has three naves, three apses and a small apse in the North gallery with several architectural features that standout including the capitals of its columns and the horseshoe arches.
Iglesia de San Clemente.
The Church of San Clemente was constructed between the 12th and 13th century. The Tower is rectangular and features three window per side which differs from the original due to it being badly damaged during the War of Independence and the Carlist confrontation in 1837.
There is plenty to see and do for a couple of days exploring the old city. It’s only a 30 minute train ride and a return trip from Madrid costs from only $20 upwards depending on schedule and class of ticket. Although you can schedule yourself a bargain via the train, the station is a little ways out from the old city and you will either need to take the bus or hop in a taxi.
Once you’ve checked into your accommodation you won’t need any transport other than your legs for the next couple of days while you explore the old city. It can be a little challenging with it’s somewhat steep cobbled streets in some areas but you’re not in any rush so it should be quite manageable.