Get to know Segovia the City:

The Encyclopedia Britannica is a great place to start research or if you are looking for a general information. Explore Segovia’s history such as the rich textile industry, how Alfonso X and many other monarchs once lived in the Palace of Alcazar, the beautiful buildings and features such as the Roman Aqueduct and the Cathedral.

Also, there is Spain.info, the official Spanish tourism website. Which includes detailed notes on of the key each location throughout the city, transportation, and how to make the most of your trip no matter the length. With such great resources in hand and the elegant structures to see, why not create a detailed plan to visit Segovia in your upcoming study abroad trip? Being prepared will not only help you assure you see all the sights, but also explore other cultures, histories, and foods! Make your once in a lifetime opportunity extra special, it will keep you in love with traveling and of Spain.

Notable Key Figure:

Segovia was and is home to many important figures Such as Arsenio-Martinez-Campos, a primer minister of Spain who also served a Captain-General in Cuba. He was known for fighting in many battles such as the Spanish-American War, in Africa, Cuba, and in Spain, where he helped restore the monarchy. Many sources of exists of his life and legacy such as:

Earl R. Beck’s The Martínez Campos Government of 1879: Spain’s Last Chance in Cuba

Explore Martínez Campos’ efforts to maintain Cuba as one of the last of the colonies to declare independence. As he tried to create reforms to further enhance the government, politics, and the economy, even when such reforms were unpopular with the Liberal Conservative Party. While Campos’s vision was not implemented, he showcases the importance of having different strategies to approaching different issues. Read more to see just how important figures play an important role in history, while also expanding upon your knowledge of the scholarship and histography of Spanish history and culture.

Beck, Earl R. “The Martínez Campos Government of 1879: Spain’s Last Chance in Cuba.” The Hispanic American Historical Review 56, no. 2 (1976): 268–89. https://doi.org/10.2307/2514327.

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Arsenio Martínez Campos." Encyclopedia Britannica, September 19, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Arsenio-Martinez-Campos.

Rodriguez, V.. "Segovia." Encyclopedia Britannica, September 30, 2015. https://www.britannica.com/place/Segovia-province-Spain

Wikimedia Commons contributors, "File:General Arsenio Martínez Campos (1831-1900).jpg," Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:General_Arsenio_Mart%C3%ADnez_Campos_(1831-1900).jpg&oldid=709547513 (accessed November 19, 2023).

Located beneath the Cathedral of Segovia, the Museum of Segovia has everything you would want in examining Spain’s unique history through art.  Across three stories, the museum is home to seven permeant exhibits including: “Segovia in time. The Roots of History,” “The Late Middle Ages: Church, Nobility and Common People,” and “The Bourbons and the Enlightenment to the 20th Century.” Including paleolithic artifacts to the present day, these unique stories being presence to less discussed in of history, creating a fuller understanding of the periods. If you are student and love history, art, and culture, then the museum of Segovia is a great opportunity to build upon your interests. Not only is it free, but it is also home to Zuloaga Museum Ignacio Zuloaga, the renowned painter, was known for his highly detailed landscapes, many of which captured the essence of Segovia and many key locations. Such as the Roman Aqueduct in “Aqueduct and San Justo:”

Art is important in two main respects: it tells a story of when it was written, and it inspires us today as we continue to explore the countless possibilities of the artist’s intention and our own interpretations. The wonder of art and history allows us to see through a window of time, as every culture is different, there is so much to learn and explore. This undoubtedly true when visiting the Musuem of Segovia, such art pieces has inspired many for centuries, just as it does today. The opportunity to travel abroad is chance to examine such treasures for yourself and see firsthand the history of Spain through the testaments of time.

León, Junta de Castilla y. “Museo de Segovia.” Museos Castilla y León. Accessed November 19, 2023.    https://museoscastillayleon.jcyl.es/web/es/museosegovia/museo-segovia.html. 

Built in 1120, the famous Alcazar of Segovia has stood the test of time. From its humble beginnings as a castle, it eventually was transformed over the next three centuries into a grand and impressive palace. From hosting the Cortes, to holding the Crown of Castiles’ archive, and later the Royal College of Artillery the palace, and Segovia, have played a major role in history. Today it is a museum, not only of the era of which was built, but also the 900 years of history since. With such a rich background, it has appealed to many visitors, such as historians, weapon and military enthusiasts, clerics, architects, and anyone interested in exploring other cultures. This a unique opportunity to see exactly what Spain has to offer. Students and professors seeking to study abroad will not see history, but also experience it as the beauty of gothic and medieval art continues to inspire future historians and artists. Just as it did with Walt Disney, in “Snow White” and Orson Welles, in “Chimes at Midnight.”

Exploring the Palace, Artillery Museum, and Tower of John II allows visitors to see unique and eloquent art of the past. These can be art pieces, the architecture, and even entire rooms. Such as the Hall of the Kings, which contains a statue of each King of Castille prior to King Phillip II, each created in beautiful detail, inscriptions, and represented in order of their reign.

As the Palace is also home to the Artillery Museum, there many artifacts contained in the armory. Such faithful recreations of Medieval armor based on the original source, King Charles’ Crossbow, and the Gallop Cannon. Each with informed description detailing it usage and history.

These are just some of the artistic histories that awaits in the halls of the palace of Alcazar, just as did the countless Kings and Queens of Castile that once called it home. By studying abroad, you gain a love of seeing and exploring the culture and the history of Segovia, that’ll lead you to truly appreciate traveling and learning. So, why not explore the pages of history and build upon your great opportunity!

“Fortaleza de Los Reyes de Castilla.” Alcázar de Segovia, Accessed November 18, 2023. https://www.alcazardesegovia.com/. 

Beautiful architecture can be seen throughout Segovia, from its Gothic Cathedral, Castle, and walls to more modern museums and homes, to nature’s landscape, there is a lot to explore. So why not see it all? Studying abroad creates unique opportunities not only to explore other cultures, but also other environments. Which unique activities are specifically tailored to, such as the Segovia Balloon Ride. This exciting adventure allows visitors to see the amazing sights from a bird’s eye view, where many gain a new appreciation for the stunning new angles of the city. Many of which are only visible from the air. With purchase, you will also receive a complimentary breakfast, and even an optional landing in the Capitol of Madrid. Whether if it’s your first day or last, the sight of the Roman Aqueduct and the Gothic Castle showcases centuries of Spanish history and is truly a sight to behold.

Aerodifusión. “2023 Segovia Balloon Ride.” Tripadvisor. Accessed November 18, 2023. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g187494-d11467556-Segovia_Balloon_Ride-Segovia_Province_of_Segovia_Castile_and_Leon.html.

Hot air balloon ride over Segovia 2023 - viator. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://www.viator.com/tours/Segovia/Ballon-Ride-over-Segovia-Castle/d26564-12703P1.