The Cathedral de Segovia is another amazing place for professors to take their students. This Cathedral was built between 1525 and 1577 during the rule of King Charles V. It was the last cathedral in Spain built in the Gothic style. The cathedral was built to replace the city’s former one that was destroyed during battles between the Castilians and Communeros. Within the cathedral, there are breathtaking designs and religious artworks. One piece of artwork being held here is Crying over the Dead Christ by Juan de Juni (1571). This cathedral is filled with religious history as well as art history that would be beneficial for everyone to see.
Works Cited
Stamper, Peta. “Segovia Cathedral.” History Hit, June 6, 2023. https://www.historyhit.com/locations/segovia-cathedral/.
The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia is a great place for professors to take their students. The aqueduct is the most well-known structure of Segovia and gives insight into how the Romans brought over their technology and culture as well as how the city ran. The Aqueduct supplied water from the Frío River to Segovia till the 20th century. The aqueduct was built at a slight slope so the water would be at a constant flow. The origins of the structure are not entirely known but it is said to have been built around the first century A.D. when Segovia was under Roman rule. There is even a story about a girl who had to fetch water every morning and she ended up asking the devil for help. The devil said he would help if he could claim her soul if the structure was complete by the next morning. She agreed and was scared when she saw demons working on the aqueduct in the middle of the night. she then prayed for the structure to not be done by the time the rooster crowed. She got her wish and there is a gap in the aqueduct where the Virgin Fuencisia is today. This structure is not only filled with amazing history but lore you cannot hear anywhere else!
Works Cited
“Aqueduct.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/technology/aqueduct-engineering.
“Aqueduct of Segovia.” World Monuments Fund, February 1, 2019. https://www.wmf.org/project/aqueduct-segovia.
Warren, Karen. “The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia: Bringing Water to the City.” WorldWideWriter, April 30, 2023. https://www.worldwidewriter.co.uk/exploring-roman-aqueduct-of-segovia.html.
Segovia is a remarkable city located just north of Madrid in the autonomous community of Castile and León. Over the centuries it has been inhabited by Celtiberians and Visothos. When the Romans inhabited the city, they brought over their architecture, inventions, and culture. An example of this is the Aqueduct that stretches 11 miles through the city. In the 6th century, the Romans lost the city to the Moors. In 1088 the city was reconquered by King Alfonso VI making it Christian once again. During this time Segovia was one of the most important cities in the Kingdom of Castille. Between the 12th and 15th centuries, several Kings of Castile called Segovia their home. In 1474 Queen Isabella was crowned in the Church of San Miguel which is located within the city. There was major industry growth in the city in the 16th century and this is when they became known for the fabrication of cloth. In 1941 Spanish law registered Segovia as a “Historic Site” and in 1985 the UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
Works Cited
Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. “Old Town of Segovia and Its Aqueduct.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/311/.
“General Information.” PDF. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://segovia.es/en/city/general-data.
“History.” History | Turismo de Segovia. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://turismodesegovia.com/en/mint/history#:~:text=The%20Royal%20Mint%20of%20Segovia,which%20belonged%20to%20the%20Crown.
“Segovia.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/place/Segovia-province-Spain.
“Segovia (Spain).” Organization of World Heritage Cities, November 17, 2022. https://www.ovpm.org/city/segovia-spain/#:~:text=Historical%20reference,of%20Castile%20resided%20in%20Segovia.
The cuisine of a country is an authentic look into their food and what they produce. According to Wild in his article Eating Spain: National Cuisine since 1990, Spain located in the middle of Europe has influences from all over the world. Spain’s cuisine is a mixture of all different countries cuisine which is what makes Spain’s gastronomy so unique. Spain is split into different regions which consist of different cuisine. Looking further into the middle part of Spain there is the city Segovia. Segovia is known for its Aqueduct that brings in many people for that attraction but also its Jewish influence. It has beautiful architecture from the buildings to the church. As a tourist this brings in the question of what the cuisine is like in Segovia. According to Wild, there are elements to the Spanish cuisine that appeal to tourists, “Dominated by heavy flavors of olive oil, garlic and saffron, the Spanish flavor palate would have been accessible to most European tourists.” Tourists are attracted to what they like but also want to try new food, which is perfect for those that try the Segovia cuisine.
Let’s begin with protein, a stable in everyone’s diet. Segovia’s most popular meals all include protein as a main component, which appeals to many. The popular choice in Segovia is pork products but also include sausage, lamb, and fish. One of Segovia’s allures is their dish called Cochinillo. This dish is also known as Roasted Sucking Pig which is a piglet that is cooked and served to eat. The perfect Cochinillo should have soft and tender meat with crispy skin on the outside. This dish is usually served whole and on its own because of the impact of the flavor. Cochinillo is one of Segovia’s well-known dishes that is claimed to be delicious and should be tried. Next is the Lamb which is also called Cordero Asado. This dish has many similarities to Cochinillo but differs in the meat. Cordero Asado is roasted lamb with a tender soft inside and a crispy outside. This dish is either served as suckling lamb or lamb legs. Mostly this dish is served alone but sometimes can be served with sides that include a type of potato or salad. If you are missing the sea and want some seafood, Segovia serves delicious trout. The trout is accompanied by ham cooked inside it and potatoes on the side.
Cochinillo
Another staple of Segovia is their stews and soups. If you are looking for a meal that is authentic to Segovia, then Judiones de la Granja stew answers the call. Judiones de la Granja are locally grown farm beans. These beans can be found in other recipes but are mostly found in their stews. Judiones de la Granja stew is a meal that includes beans, chorizo, and sausage. Another soup to try is Sopa Castellana with ham being one of the main ingredients.
Judiones de la Granja
Segovia also serves locally produced wine that would pair well with the dishes above.
If you have a sweet tooth, I have the desserts for you. Segovia has great options for dessert. Known for its sweetness is the sponge cake Ponche Segoviano. This cream-filled cake with almond flavoring is a staple in Segovia and has a lot of history behind it too. Another dessert to try is Florones, a puff pastry, which is a Segovia tradition. Per tradition locals eat them on October 25th to honor Saint Frutos.
Ponche Segoviano
If you are looking for a cuisine that appeals to many taste buds and ages this is the perfect place. Segovia has plenty of options for meals. With their wide variety of meats, stews, beans, wine, and desserts there is an array of choices for everyone. While highlighting some of the most popular dishes in Segovia there are plenty of other meals to try in Segovia as well.
Further Information
Wild, Matthew J., “Eating Spain: National Cuisine Since 1900” (2015). Theses and Dissertations–Hispanic Studies. 24. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/hisp_etds/24
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:
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).
≈ Comments Off on Zuloaga and the Museum of Segovia
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/.
≈ Comments Off on Religious Experiences in Segovia
As we all know a large part of Spanish history is catholicism. So when you are visiting Segovia you might want to experience some of this catholic history yourself. Or maybe you are just a visiting student who wants to know some interesting places that you can do your worshiping.
The most notable place of worship you could visit is the Segovia Cathedral. It is a beautiful Gothic-style cathedral. In fact, it was the last Gothic cathedral constructed. They hold mass at 10 on most days or 11 and 12:30 on Sunday if you would like to join. However, if you are not one to worship but your friend dragged you here there are other things that you can do in the Cathedral. For example, you could go to the art museum located in the basement of the Cathedral. It contains numerous impressive religious-inspired artworks. Like the Triptych of Descent by Ambrosius Benson a massive 3-panel painting depicting Jesus being taken down from the cross. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy you could always walk around and admire the impressive architecture which composes the Cathedral (Which I wish I could include a picture of however the storage on this blog is already full :(. ). Which fun fact mostly had to be rebuilt after the Revolt of the Comuneros in 1520. So when you are admiring the architecture you are not only getting a good view you are also experiencing history. Isn’t that fun! Lastly, you could visit the Bell Tower which does offer guided tours if you want a more structured activity. However, the quite possibly best aspect of the Bell Tower is the view it will give you. Standing 288 feet tall it’s one of the tallest places in the city allowing you great views of the entire city allowing you to maybe spot the place you are staying or discover the place you would like to visit next.
Another place of worship you could visit is the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz or the Church of the True Cross located just on the outskirts of the city. Even though it is much smaller than the Segovia Cathedral and was used as a place to store cattle briefly in the 20th century it is a no less important place. It’s so important it was declared a Spanish Cultural Heritage in 1919. There is some debate about what group constructed the Church of the True Cross. For the longest time it was believed to be constructed by the knights templar, a military branch of the catholic church, however recently it has become more likely that it was built by the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Either way still a group of pedigree is responsible for this church. Inside the church, you can see some artwork tracing back to as old as 1208. However, it is not all preserved due to the building being abandoned off and on since 1844 till it was named a cultural heritage site. If any of this sounds interesting to you can visit on any day other than Monday or Tuesday at 10:30, 1:30, or 4:00.
However, Segovia isn’t all about catholicism. It also has some places for fans of the old testament in the Old Main synagogue. This synagogue was built in the 14th century. However, after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 it was converted into first a church and then a convent. It was destroyed in 1899 by a fire but it has been rebuilt since then so you can visit it.
If any of you reading are interested in reading any further here is where you can find out more.
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.
