Segovia is a fascinating place, as it is home to many different historical structures. The city of Segovia is about a 45 minute drive from the city of Madrid, and is located in the north western region of Spain. Segovia is surrounded by the beautiful Guadarrama Mountain range, which adds much more visual pleasures to the already historic city. Due to being so close to the mountain range, Segovia averages one of the highest altitudes in all of Spain at nearly 750 meters (2460 feet) high. 

One of the most fascinating parts of Segovia is the Royal Palace first founded in 1122. Almost 900 years later it is still standing strong, and a very popular tourist spot in Spain. In fact most of the city was built around the 11th century, and the roman influence is still a large part of the city’s culture. The Royal Palace known as Alcazar Fortress, was originally founded by King Alfonso at the end of the 11th century and was originally used for military purposes. The palace has had three different renovations since then, the first were in the 13th century that had gothic influences under King John and Henry. The next renovation was in 1587 by architect Francisco Largo Caballero. FInally in 1764 King Charles II renovated the building to found the Royal College of Artillery. The castle is located between the Eresma and Clamores river, and there are many secret passages throughout the Castle that lead to the rivers. The fortress has been a staple of Segovia’s architectural history for the last 10 centuries, and will continue to be an important piece of Segovia’s future.

Another important monument in Segovia is the Cathedral. The Cathedral was built between 1525 and 1577 under King Charles after the original cathedral was destroyed during war. The Cathedral features 3 vaults with fine windows, Italian marble and stained glass. The tallest vault is 90 meters (295 feet) tall and filled with religious artwork. Religion and history have strong influence throughout the cathedral and is a great place to experience the culture of Segovia. The many unique artworks and designs make the Cathedral a must see on a tour in Spain. Walking through the Cathedral would offer insights that simply are not replicable by a textbook or photograph. Within the Cathedral there is also a Chapter House designed by García de Cubillas. The house features a coffered ceiling designed in 1559, and Flemish tapestries showcasing the Queen of Palmyra. It also hosts a museum with one of the first books printed in Spain. The Chapter House is more evidence of the historical influences in Segovia. 

While Segovia is not the biggest city nor is it the most popular, between the natural landmarks with the rivers and the mountain range, or the historical architecture Segovia offers people of all ages a unique perspective of Spain. Both the Cathedral and the Palace are unique to Segovia and are an experience that is unmatched anywhere else in the world!

Segovia is a lovely city that truly embodies Spanish medieval architecture. Students and lecturers who tour this area will get the opportunity to view several significant cultural sites in Segovia. The historic sites are unique because of their exquisite architecture and construction from other cultures such as the French and English. This historic walled town boasts stunning views and magnificent monuments.

Look no further than Palacio Real la Granja, if you’ve ever desired to enter a palace that exquisitely emulates the Baroque style of the renowned French Palace. This site was purchased from the monks in 1719 by King Phillip V, after his summer palace was burned down. This palace was built between 1721 and 1739, this stunning palace was based on Louis XIV’s Château de Versailles. Beginning in the 1720s, under the rule of Phillip V, it was used as a summer residence for the Kings of Spain. This palace has a room of stunning mirrors and a royal room that visitors will enjoy. Once you visit those areas, you should stop by the church and the church contains a red marble tomb of Phillip V and his wife Isabella Farnese. Once you’re with the interior of the palace, you should visit the gorgeous garden which is heavily influenced by the French style, Jardin à la française. Additionally, this palace has 26 fountains that depict Greek deities, allegories, and scenes from myth, as well as other topics from classical mythology. One of the main art pieces that most love to see there are the 15th and 16th century tapestries by Flemish, French, and Spanish artists. This is the place for you if you’re interested in French style architecture and culture. 

Memories don’t just happen in Spain they’re made. They’re made on the highest point of Spain’s town Segovia where you find Segovia Cathedral better known as Cathedral de Segovia. The view’s alone from the cathedral highlights Segovia’s beauty and charm. Not only is Segovia Cathedral well known for its views of the city, but its Gothic architecturedominates the city of Segovia’s skyline. Segovia Cathedral is the last Gothic Cathedral built in Spain. After a fire took place in 1520, five years later the construction of Segovia Cathedral began during the reign of Carlos V taking a span of 50 years to finish building the church. Segovia Cathedral reflects how a society spent its energy, money, and love for their town. When entering Segovia Cathedral, you will be wowed by the main altarpiece made of marble, jasper, and bronze and displays a 14th-century ivory figure of the Virgen de la Paz. You will also enjoy the gorgeous colored stained-glass windows, the massive sanctuary, and the many chapels. Jaun Gil de Hontanon designed the church building three doorways: the Puerta del Person, San Geroteo and San Frutos Doors. Each entrance makes the cathedral a picturesque place that will leave you speechless and mesmerized while admiring the gothic architect. The building also holds an amazing Archive room that holds more than 500 antique books, including the first book to ever be printed in Spain which is the Sinodal de Aguilafuente. If you’re looking for a place to admire 20 chapels with unique decor and paintings, a beautiful view of Segovia, and a room with more than 500 books then this Cathedral is meant for you.

Segovia is a Spanish city abundant in incredible architecture and has a fascinating Origin story. Take a visual and educational trip into the early history of Segovia Spain. Human settlement in what is known today as Segovia, dates back 50,000 years ago to the late-middle paleolithic era in the Iberian Peninsula. The first humans to occupy the territory were Neanderthals belonging to a series of groups of Celtic or pre-Roman people. This Iberian settlement was captured in 80 BCE by the Romans, and in the first century AD is when Segovia was built by the Romans. Segovia was established through a variety of architecture that came together to make a beautiful unified city. The architecture that makes up Segovia was created mainly in two periods of prosperity, the Late Middle Ages, dating from the 11th century-12th century, and the Renaissance, throughout the 16th century.

During the Roman times, Segovia was part of a Christian based city called “Clunia” that was primarily located in the south province of Burgos, Spain. Segovia still belonged to Clunia until the city was abandoned in the 8th century, following the Islamic invasion of the Iberian Peninsula during the Muslim conquest. Segovia was only under Islamic rule and Muslim occupation until the 1084 conquest of Toledo, led by Alfonso VI . Following the conquest, it was King Alfonso and his son-in-law, count Raymond, who began the repopulation of Segovia with Christians from the north of the Peninsula, in 1088.

One of the most prominent historical features of the city from its early years of establishment, is the city wall surrounding the province of Segovia. The wall was built in 1088 under Alfonso VI, and is about 2,250 meters in length around the circuit of the city, and has an average height of 9 meters. The Romans decided to start enclosing their towns during the 2nd century and is when the idea of the Segovia wall was instituted. The wall was built to defend the city from attacks from the Moors. The wall originally consisted of numerous gates, fortresses and towers, many of which no longer stand. In recent times however, there have been recreations/redevelopments of some parts of the wall, such as the Puerta de San Andreas (gateway of San Andreas) so that it can be accessed by tourists today. The San Andreas gate is one of the most visited aspects of the wall by tourists today, as the view from across the gate is the Alcazar. One feature of the wall that has remained standing since its creation is the gate of Santiago, and it is considered to be an integral part of the wall. The gate was formed initially as a door of a tower in the wall, and overtime it became a defensive tower within the wall as needed by the Romans. Widely viewed as the most astonishing part of the wall is the San Cebrian gate on the Northern side of the city. With an incredibly open view of the Countryside and direct sightlines to old monasteries in the valley, the San Cebrian gate is considered the most peaceful part of the wall.

If you’ve ever watched a Disney movie and wished you could be the one inside the castle then look no further than Alcázar de Segovia.  This medieval castle looks like a fairytale castle come to life.  Alcázar de Segovia’s elegance and beauty have made it one of the most famous castles in Spain.  It was built on a granite cliff overlooking Segovia and has had many additions done to it and has been used by the Romans, Moors, and then the Christians after the Reconquista.  The castle that currently stands was built in the eleventh century by the Almoravid dynasty and has served as a fortress, palace, prison, and Royal Artillery School.  It has been used as a royal place by twenty two monarchs, including Queen Isabella I.  In 1258, parts of the Alcázar had to be rebuilt by King Alfonso X. The largest addition to Alcázar was the John II tower, which King John II had built.  Alcázar de Segovia features a Herrerian style courtyard, which is characterized by geometric patterns and clear lines.  When you first begin entering the castle you walk on a large drawbridge over a moat. The interior is lavishly decorated with a mix of many different styles including Christian and Mudéjar.  If you want the full experience, you can even buy tickets to go up into the turrets. This castle has seen many things in its time but today it is a place people can tour and part of it even has a very impressive military museum. 

If you visit Segovia and are interested in history and/or architecture, be sure to get a look at the aqueduct.  Even if you do not consider yourself interested in history or architecture you will not be disappointed if you take the time to see visit the aqueduct.  This remarkable feat of architecture was most likely built during the first century to early second century CE, under the rule of the Roman empire, to supply water from the Frío River into the city.  The aqueduct is made from 20,400 dark colored Guadarrama granite blocks.  There is no mortar or cement to hold the mass amounts of stone only expert engineering balancing all of the pieces.  The aboveground portion is 2,388 feet long and consists of 167 arches more than 30 feet high. The highest point of the construction is 93 feet high in Plaza del Azoguejo.  It served the area for many centuries and shows the incredible engineering and aesthetic that Roman architecture is known for.  Unfortunately, it is not currently being used today due to decay and leaking, which make the structure and the water inside unfeasible to use.  With that being said, it is one of the most intact Roman aqueducts in Europe and is a stunning structure that adds to its surroundings and shows a piece of Segovia’s history.  It was placed on the World Monuments Watch in 2006.  If after reading this, you are ready to hop on a plane and visit Segovia’s aqueduct you are in luck it is really easy to see since it runs across the main road and is free to visit.  While you’re there don’t forget to check out the rest of Segovia’s rich history.

Along with the many sights and wonders of the beautiful City of Segovia, you will want to stop by its many restaurants and try some of their best dishes.  

One of the best dishes in all of Segovia is called Conchinillo, made from a pig that is baked in an oven tailor made for cooking these piglets. When it comes to selecting the pig there are two strict requirements for making it: one, to have them weigh in at four to five kilograms, and two, their diet should consist of only milk. When baked, you get a pig that is mostly suckling meat and practically almost falls off of the bone. You aren’t able to eat this by yourself, however, as it can easily feed a party of four and is usually reserved for birthday events and other special events.  

Following up Conchinillo is its younger brother, Lechazo asado, otherwise known as leg of lamb. For three and a half hours it is in a wood-fired clay oven, wnsuring the meat is both delicate and tender to the bone. While it is usually served without condiments or side dishes to preserve the flavor of the meat itself, some restaurants elsewhere serv it with fried potatoes, fries, and even a salad. In Segovia, this used to be the most popular dish until Conchinillo came and took its place. It should still be tried at least one during a visit to Segovia. Lechazo has had a much longer tradition than its older brother, as it was brought in by Muslim shepherds from the south. 

If you are interested in a dessert after you enjoy your meal, you would definently fall in love with Ponche Segoviano. This popular cake originated from Segovia in the early 20^th century. It was created by a man called Frutos Garcia Martin at the café El Alcazar. It quickly became the talk of the town and three years later, King Alfonzo XIII fell in love with the ponche and told Frutos to take the cake to the Universal Exhibition located in Barcelona, where it won a gold medal. This cake usually looks like a rectangle of custard and marzipan that is topped with a caramelized sugar in a crisscross pattern. While the original recipe is a closely guarded secret, it is believed that it was made with the most basic cake ingredients, along with lemon peel, cinnamon, and almonds. 

Another famous local dish is called Judias de la Granja. Known to be a famous bean, they usually hail from a small town outside the Segovian capital, la Granja. These beans are large and white and are usually served in tasting menus around Segovia in stews or vegetable dishes. The accompanying sauce is usually made up of tomatoes, carrots, onions, and paprika and is called sofrito. It can also be accompanied with hueso de jamon, or a bone from a leg of cured ham. These flavors combine to create a perfect autumnal dish during the colder months and can be served as an appetizer or served as a full entrée.