Segovia
The first historical reference to the town of Segovia dates back to the year 192 A.D., when its Celtiberian inhabitants were defeated by Roman forces.
Segovia is world-renowned for the ship-like appearance it projects: the Alcázar standing at its bow, the cathedral tower being its mainmast and the aquaduct its helm.
The aquaduct was probably erected in the first century A.D. It supplied water to the high-lying part of the town, at that time occupied by the Roman military headquarters and today the site of the Alcázar. It's an underground channel, with a free-standing arcade comprised of 20.000 granite blocks that are held together without any kind of binding agent or mortar.
Aqueduct . Cathedrals . WHS Hotspot .
Visit December 2002
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I enjoyed some wonderful days here. Segovia is a lovely town with a friendly atmosphere. Especially in the evenings when its inhabitants go for an evening stroll in the medieval streets.
Segovia is most famous for its aquaduct. It's really huge, and remarkably complete.
What you really shouldn't miss also is the Alcazar, the Castle. Situated at the top of a hill it has romantic quality. Inside the knights in armour await you.
Reviews
Ruth Deemter (United States):
I visited Segovia with my daughters the summer of 2007. One of my daughters was studying in Madrid and she arranged for a day trip to Segovia by Bus. She wanted us to see the Cathedral as it was her favorite of all those she had visited in Spain. We could not find words to describe how amazing it was to view the Aqueduct. Lastly, we visited the Alcazar. My daughter suggested walking down the walkway to view the Castle from Below. From there you can view the base structures of the Castle that originate from a river. Truly Spectacular! We will never forget the memories we made there. |
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Adrian Lakomy (Slovakia):
 Located about one hour by train from Madrid is one of the best locations for a daily trip. The town itself is absolutely great not only the old town. When i first saw the aquaduct as it pop-up behind a house i was really surprised and amazed. It is something nonforgetable. Walking just around the small streets of old town will give you the real sense of history. Catherdral from outside looks like from a fairy tale.
Please dont miss the Alcazar which is small as it is a former castle on a steep rock, but it is very interesting and very nicely decorated. For military fans there is a small exhibition of artillery. |
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Philip T.K. (Canada):
 Segovia, with its Roman aqueduct and its medieval architecture, defintely ranks among the best WHS I've seen so far. Although the aqueduct and the cathedral were wonderful in their own right, the Alcazar was the highlight of my visit. It was a lot bigger than I had imagined with many interesting rooms containing armour, Flemish tapestries and the like. At the time of my visit, there was also an exhibition displaying restored paintings and sculptures that I found quite amusing. The view of the cathedral and the surrounding areas from the top of the tower of Juan II is magnificant (see picture) although the climb up to the top is unpleasant at best (definitely not for the claustrophobic). Segovia is also home to many ancient churches although most were closed on the day we visited (Monday). It is possible to combine a visit to this city with Avila (another WHS) on the same day. It was a little rushed but I managed to see all the sites I wanted. |
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Lola and Tony (Spain):
My wife and I just visited Segovia 3 days ago. We actually live in Valencia Spain, so it only took us about 5 or 6 hours to get there by car. We stayed just under two days and had a great time. The aquaduct was incredible, so was the cathedral and Alcazar. The cathedral took a few hundred years to build and when you are inside, you truly appreciate the architecture and the amazing attention to detail. We weren't supposed to take pictures inside, but couldn't resist. The food was great too. It was a wonderful experience. |
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Cristine (USA):
I used to live in Spain as a child. The last time I visited Segovia was in 1988. The aquaduct was the main thing that I remember. I vaguley remember an old story they used to tell us about how the aquaduct came to be built. If I can remember correctly, there was one stone missing for some reason that I can't recall(I believe the devil was in the story, but I could be mistaken). In any case, Segovia is a must see during your travels in Spain. |
| Date posted: November 2005 |
Z. (USA):
Seeing the Aquaduct in Segovia was one of my life's dreams. I was very impressed to see how well preserved it was inspite of its age.
I visited Segovia back in 1981 and found the Segovians to be a very hospitable and friendly people. Physically, they reminded me a lot of the Italian people. Looks like the Roman genes are still surfacing.
Visiting Segovia is a must when in Spain. |
| Date posted: September 2005 |
Jose Gomes (Portugal):
Very nice place with very nice food. In fact, the latter does not surprises me since it is not so far from Portugal. This place should be visited together with Salamanca and Avila. The aqueduct is amazing and the castle/palace is magical. I classify it as a castle/palace since I'm used to the portuguese castles that preserve their medieval look (Bragança, Guimarães, Almourol, Silves, Óbidos, Sintra, Lisbon, Leiria, and so may others). |
| Date posted: June 2005 |
Katey Rowland (United States):
I was in Segovia for an exchange program. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful city to be in. The aqueduct was amazing, the castle was gorgeous. There were so many interesting shops and restraunts. Segovia just radiated beauty and the people were so welcoming. The next opportunity I have, I plan to go back! |
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Patricia Harper (England):
My husband and I were in Segovia in June 2000. It is a truly magical place. We only stayed two days but managed to see all the sights as well as joining in with all the fun of a Spanish fiesta.The must sees are the Alcazar and the cathedral. The must feel is the aquaduct. So beautiful and amazing.We stayed at Hotel Infanta Isabel on the Plaza Mayor where everyone made us welcome. We loved this place so much we are visiting again this year en route to Portugal. |
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