The Segovia Cathedral is an amazing place to visit when studying abroad in Spain. This cathedral is very rich in both art, and history. The history of this cathedral dates back to almost five hundred years ago during the commoners revolt. This revolt in turn led to the relocation and creation of the Segovia Cathedral as we see it today. Art is a major factor involved with this cathedral. Art can be seen both on the building’s architecture itself and on the inside where many paints, and stained glass are. The Segovia Cathedral makes for a very worthwhile place to visit when in Spain. 

Over half a century ago in the 1500s the Commoners Revolt took place in Spain. This revolt is the result of the accumulation of dis-satisfaction among the commoners in Spain. They were unhappy because their King, Charles the First became heir to the throne in 1519. Charles was not from Spain, nor did he speak any Spanish. To make things worse he was from France, and brought more French people into Spain to help with governing them. This did not bode well for the people so they revolted. This revolt caused the government under Charles to use the Segovia Cathedral’s previous Cathedral as a defensive position as well as to protect it. Unfortunately they failed as the cathedral was completely, and utterly destroyed. A few years later in 1525 an architect named Juan Gil Hontanan designed and started construction on the Segovia Cathedral as we know it today. This Cathedral took around fifty years to complete and was finished in 1577.

The architecture of the Segovia Cathedral is very unique because it was one of the last pieces of gothic architecture to be created in Spain. Gothic architecture originated in Europe in the 1100s to the 1500s. Their unique designs are the direct result of widespread improved engineering technology. These improved technological advancements are what makes gothic architecture so unique. Several distinct factors of gothic architecture include their massive height, buttressing and arches supporting them, and large open rooms with huge ceilings. 

The cathedral has two main entrances with huge, massive doors. The cathedral also has side chapels and ambulatories. An ambulatory is a walkway used for space/prayer. Keeping with the gothic themes the Segovia Cathedral also has many gargoyles on the outside. The bell tower on the outside stands about 100 meters above ground. This bell tower is still used to sound off chimes to let people know when church is starting. This bell tower is also climbable with a beautiful view at the top. In addition to the beautiful exterior gothic architecture, the Segovia Cathedral is also most known for its beautiful interior and designs/art. The inside houses many works of arts like paintings, stained glass, and most notably the altar with it’s Virgin Mary statue.  The Segovia Cathedral is definitely a historical landmark, as well as a work of art that no student nor professor should pass up. Studying abroad in Spain would be very worthwhile because of the opportunity to be able to visit such a place in person. The rich history offered at this landmark would no doubt be something remembered for the rest of your life.

Once a year the city of Segovia puts on an event like no other in the world. An event that shines with creativity and that brings together the world through art and performance. The best part is that it is a festival that anyone from any walk of life can enjoy such as, children, adults, the elderly, Americans, Europeans, and even little wooden puppets! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, Titirimundi!

Titirimundi is an annual puppet theatre festival put on by artists and performers from all over the world! Each year it is held in the grand city of Segovia! Puppeteers and artists from different countries all gather in the city and put on shows, showcasing their creations to all those happy enough to attend. Performances are showcased in all different languages, not just Spanish! It is not just puppetry either! The streets of downtown Segovia are filled with wonderful acrobatic performances as well as street shows.  Local theatres and venues even allow the performers to set up shop in their spaces to celebrate this truly unique festival.

Segovia is no stranger to puppet theatre. In fact, according to some, Segovia is the capital of Spanish puppet theatre. The festival officially started in nineteen eighty-five, when its founder, Julio Michel came back to Spain after studying theatre and puppetry in Paris. His goal was to rejuvenate Segovia’s art scene, and he certainly has succeeded! The festival had humble beginnings it’s true, but soon it became a worldwide phenomenon. Now celebrated by artists from all countries.

In recent years, Titrimundi has become even more renowned. As recently as 2021, Titrimundi has won the National Prize for Performing Arts for Children and Youth, which is given by the Ministry of Culture and Sports. To read more about Titrimundi winning this award click here. Throughout its over thirty-year existence, it has won several prizes. Including, the Gold Medal of Cultural Achievement, awarded by the city of Segovia itself.

If you are someone with an interest in art, theatre, or just experiencing other cultures in general, then Titrimundi is right for you! The festival can be found going on at downtown Segovia, around the aqueduct,  and in local theatres. This event happens every year and has been happening for over thirty years! Be warned however, as the festival tends to happen at different times every year, so be sure you know when the fun festivities will start! Tickets are relatively cheap too! Guaranteed you will have more than enough money and time to visit what the rest of Segovia has in store for you. Get yourself out to Titrimundi for a truly wholesome cultural experience that you can only find right here in Segovia.

History

Built by the Romans during the second half of 1st century A.D. for Segovia during the time of Hispania, the purpose of the Aqueduct was to bring water from the Frío River to the city. The structure currently stands at a grandiose 28.5 meters tall at its highest point. A clear remnant of Hispania and Roman occupation/culture, this monument was built as a public utility for the people of Spain as a show of good faith and power of the Roman government. It’s this distinct Roman feel of the aqueduct that brought it to the attention of the World Monument Watch in 2006 and what made it a Segovia UNESCO World Heritage site back in 1985. Due to the unique placement of this monument and the stone materials there were worries over it’s survival and plans had to be put in place to ensure the continuation of this bit of ancient Hispania history. 

Local Legends

Local legends put a different spin on the story of this aqueduct. These legends would have you believe that a devil built it during a deal. The local legend says that a poor girl was tired of walking up the mountain to retrieve water everyday, these complaints caught the ear of a devil who offered to make a deal with her. If the devil could build a structure to bring water to the city before morning he would win her soul, in her haste the young girl agreed. With that the devil got to building and nearly finished but thanks to her prayers the sun peaked out before the devil could place the final brick and she kept her soul. Today this story is remembered by a smiling devil taking a selfie that thousands of tourists take pictures with every year. 

Around 1088, a majority of Middle and Southern Spain was still being controlled by Moorish invaders from Africa. Most of northern Spain was still under the control of the Christian monarchs, however the expansion of Moors and their influence throughout the region led to the loss of Christian kingdoms everywhere. While there were tales of Christain troops fighting to regain their lost territories, it was a much more slow and difficult process than remembered by folklore. In an attempt to recapture what is now Segovia Spain, King Alfonso the 6th sent troops into the lower half of Castile. In a surprisingly successful attack, the Christian forces were able to defeat the Moors in the area and reclaim Segovia for King Alfonso VI. 

With the recent events involving invaders on his mind, Alfonso the 6th decided that the security of Segovia was in need of major upgrades. This thought is what led to the creation of the Walls of Segovia, which are now known for being one of the most immaculate historical pieces within the ancient city. With reminisce of its time period reflected in the build, these walls represent the medieval age of Spain as well as their ability to create such massive pieces of architecture. Upon its completion, the Walls of Segovia stood at approximately 3 kilometers in length with an average height of 30 feet. It was clear after this wall was completed that Alfonso VI was not going to permit the loss of that location in the future. Once completed, the Christian forces maintained from generation to generation where it is now still in great condition for its age. This historic site, along with many others, are definitely worth seeing when visiting Segovia.

If you plan to visit the Walls of Segovia, be prepared to stop in your tracks! While extremely ancient, this massive structure will be sure to keep you from simply passing by before you have the chance to admire its medieval craftsmanship. With the help of a tour guide or an audio tour, visitors to the Walls of Segovia are presented with the opportunity of a lifetime when being able to visit the top of the wall, overlook the Clamores Valley, and take a peek at what royalty lived like in the Alcazar of Segovia. First, you will travel to the western portion of the wall located near the Gate of San Andres. Here is where visitors have the chance to climb to the top of the wall which overlooks the Clamores Valley. What once was the location for a Jewish burial ground, the Clamores Valley is home to just as much historical significance as the areas within Segovia. This burial ground can be seen from atop the Walls of Segovia, and is a wonderful addition to anyone looking for a glance at the reminisce of the history to be found in Spain. Finally, make sure to take a trip to the Alcazar of Segovia. This magnificent castle served as an addition to the wall’s defenses and also housed a majority of the Alfonso monarchs throughout time. This is surely a detour you don’t want to miss!

When visiting Segovia, Spain, one of the most important parts of your visit must be the cuisine. With so many traditional recipes and creations, it is impossible to leave without finding your new favorite dish. Whether it be a tangy and spicy bean stew or a salty and succulent Cochinillo, you can never go wrong with the amazing dishes in Segovia! While there are many different options to choose from, here are the top three best rated dishes you can find all across Segovia!

1. Cochinillo Asado (Roasted Suckling Pig): Chefs all across Segovia pride themselves for having some of the most flavorful pigs in the country. With such quality and tender meat at their disposal, it’s no wonder that Cochinillo Asado (Roasted Suckling Pig) would be one of Segovia’s signature dishes! For two to six weeks, these pigs are fed sow’s milk in order to ensure the meat is flavorful and of the highest quality. Once this process is completed, the final result is a pork roast that will fall off the bone- no utensils required! Depending on the restaurant, some chefs will put on a display for those who chose to order Cochinillo Asado to show just how tender their pork really is. If traveling with a large party, ordering a whole pig and splitting the meal is the most cost-effective option!
2. Lechazo Cochinillo (Roasted Suckling Lamb): Similar to Roast Suckling Pig, Lechazo is a dish created by cooking a young lamb. Deriving its name from the word “Leche”, Lechazo is made from the meat of a young lamb who is specifically fed its mother’s milk for 20-30 days. Not only that, but in order to even be considered Lechazo, the lamb must also weigh between 5 to 7 kilograms (11 to 15 pounds). Unless it meets these strict requirements, any prepared lamb will not be considered Lechazo. With extreme standards to uphold, one can only imagine the flavor of such a meal. When in Segovia, this dish is a must try for all tourists in search of exquisite tastes!
3. Segovian Bean Stew: If you are visiting Spain during the fall or winter months, Segovia’s white bean stew will be sure to warm you up! This stew is created by using Judiones de la Granja (beans), chorizo (sausage), and tocino (bacon) to immerse the consumer in a flavorful and creamy dish. Spain is famous for their large legumes, and they are added to a variety of stews and soups to create flavorful combinations. While there are many variations of this dish across the world, the best version can only be found in Segovia, Spain. Segovian Bean Stew is yet another famous specialty in Segovia that always leaves visitors wanting more!

Whether you choose to dine at the fancy Restaurante Taberna Lopez steakhouse or decide on a less costly venture to somewhere like the Bar Los Tarines, there is always a new cuisine adventure waiting around the corner. Segovia prides itself on its wonderful and exquisite dishes unique to its location, so be sure to visit some of the amazing local restaurants when touring in Segovia!

La Granja de San Ildefonso is one of the most beautiful and unique palaces in not only Segovia but the entirety of Spain. This palace housed the first of the Bourbon line of Spanish Kings, King Philip V. Thought up by and designed by premiere Spanish architects Teodoro Ardemans, Andrea Procaccini and Filippo Juvarra the three used a baroque style in their designs to fit the preferences of King Philip V. The site also contains the Royal Chapel as an addon and multiple rooms that had to be added to fit parliament when King Philip V returned as the reigning monarch.

Besides the buildings the grounds of La Granja de San Ildefonso is another big crowd puller and full of amazing sites to behold. Featuring sculptures, gardens, a french style maze, and breathtaking fountains. If you’re planning a trip up to see La Granja de San Ildefonso you may want to plan around going from April to around the middle of October as that’s when the fountains traditionally run.

La Granja de San Ildefonso is roughly 10 km or 6.2 miles from Segovia and should hopefully be a short 13 minute ride by car. This will also put you within 50 miles of Madrid. Once inside the main attraction is the royal apartments featuring Philip’s Fresco decorations. After touring the bedrooms of the king and queen along with their portrait gallery you go to the bottom levels.Their you’ll tour the Hall of Hercules, Hall of Justice, Hall of Europe, and the beautiful La Galeta Fountain. Then finishing your tour with the Tapestry Museum and the royal chapel.

(For further information please consult https://www.esmadrid.com/en/granja-san-ildefonso and https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/visita/royal-palace-la-granja-de-san-ildefonso)

The Alcázar of Segovia is one of the most popular tourist sites in Segovia, with TripAdvisor ranking it as the #4 thing to do in the city. Located on a cliff above the Eresma and Clamores rivers, this 12th century structure was initially constructed as an Arabian fort. As time passed, this fortress transformed into a state prison and Royal Artillery College, along with becoming the royal residence of King Alfonso VIII and his wife during the thirteenth century. Centuries later in 1474, Queen Isabella I was crowned in the Alcázar. Interestingly, this palace also influenced Walt Disney and his vision of both Cinderella’s castle and the Wicked Queen’s palace from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Originally composed of wood, the Alcázar became a stone structure in 1120 after Emperor Alfonso VI captured the location. Later in the thirteenth century, Gothic architectural additions were made to the Alcázar. Moreover, other elements, such as the royal courtyard and structural spires, were expanded or newly appended during the sixteenth century. Unfortunately, the monument’s structure and roof were severely damaged in a fire in 1862; however, over the next twenty years, the castle’s destroyed elements were rebuilt. Today, the Alcázar stands approximately 80 meters tall (262 feet) and is considered a monument of both historic and artistic importance.

For educational groups that wish to visit the Alcázar, there are several tour options the institution offers, including a guided tour throughout the entire monument or simply visiting the Palace Rooms. Other tour options involve viewing the Tower of Juan II and the Museum of the Royal College Artillery. Moreover, TripAdvisor suggests planning to spend about 1-2 hours at this fortress to fully experience its history and architecture. The Alcázar’s peak season is from April 1 to October 31 and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. During its off season from November 1 to March 31, the fortress is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you are looking for restaurants to visit before or after your visit to the Alcázar de Segovia, view TripAdvisor’s suggestions for nearby cuisine. 

Looking for a dessert to enjoy while taking a study break? The Ponche Segoviano, a traditional cake in the Spanish country of Segovia, is a great choice. First created in 1926 by Frutos García Martín in a local cafe, this dish is characterized by its layers of sponge cake and egg yolk cream, along with the zig-zag pattern of caramelized sugar on the top coating. Admittedly, the authentic recipe for Ponche Segoviano is patented and has remained undisclosed for almost a century. In truth, there is only one location to purchase this dessert from in Segovia: Confitería El Alcázar, where this pastry was conceived. 

After the creation of this dish in 1926, the Ponche Segoviano became increasingly popular in Segovia. In fact, King Alfonso XIII, who adored the cake, advised García Martín to show the dessert at the Universal Exhibition in Barcelona. In 1929, the Ponche Segoviano received the exposition’s gold medal. 

Regarding its contents, the Ponche Segoviano has staggered layers of egg yolk cream and sponge cake that are saturated in syrup. These series of layers are then coated with marzipan, a dough consisting of crushed almonds and an egg white. In truth, this marzipan cooking technique reportedly has Moorish roots. Finally, the dessert is adorned with icing sugar and its distinctive criss-cross design. 

If you wish to learn how to make Ponche Segoviano yourself, here is a recipe to bring a slice of Spain home with you.