The great architecture makes Segovia an unmissable city on the itinerary of the Spanish tourist. Visit a 2000-year-old Roman aqueduct, fairytale castle, 14th-century cathedral, and more in this Spanish city 90km north of Madrid.
A compact city of less than 60,000 people, Segovia’s charm lies in its surroundings, its variety of architecture, and its people. It is two hours by panoramic train, an hour and a half by bus from Madrid.
Places of interest in Segovia: the aqueduct
Begin your tour of Segovia at the Plaza del Aqueducto. You will end up close to here if you take the bus or the train. You will not miss this tourist favorite, probably built around the second half of the 1st century by Trajan, it is about 30 feet high at its highest point and runs through the center of the city. It is still in use as a secondary water supply for Segovia and is one of the best-preserved Roman construction projects anywhere. Find more about the aqueduct and its history here.
Also, take a look at our Photo Show that includes the Aqueduct
The Alcazar of Segovia
Believed to have been built in the late eleventh at the confluence of the two rivers Semavia, Eresma, and Clamores, this fairytale castle was severely damaged by fire in 1862, but was later restored and perhaps a little ornate. (Disney was thought to have copied it, but is later believed to have copied many castles in Europe) This site was probably a fortress from at least Roman times; Excavations have revealed Roman-like granite blocks used for the aqueduct in the Alcázar region.
The Alcázar remains one of the most popular castles in Spain.
It is still a great place to see and see the countryside from. The museum inside will tell you something about life at the time.
Cathedral
The first cathedral in Segovia was near the Alcazar. Bad choice if you want your cathedral to be safe from the ravages of war. The new one is located in the Plaza Mayor, and dates from 1525, when the architect Juan Gil de Ontañon, also responsible for the Cathedral of Salamanca, began to work on it. Ontañon could not finish in his life, and the work was carried out by various men until its completion in 1615.
Get to Segovia by train
There are frequent trains from both stations in Madrid at a cost of around 9 euros for a second-class one-way ticket [see RENFE site]. The journey takes about 40 minutes. This trip is shown here: Madrid to Segovia, but you can write the starting point you want.
Get to Segovia by bus
The La Sepulvedana bus company has frequent buses to Segovia. Sepulvedona Station (Bus station). For Segovia and Ávila: Paseo de la Florida, 11. Information: (91) 430 48 00. The trip lasts an hour and a half.
Where to stay
Hotel Los Linajes has an 11th century façade and is located within the city walls.
The Infanta Isabel Hotel is a romantic option in Segovia. Around the same price as above, it faces the Plaza Mayor, a great location.
The Parador de Segovia is highly recommended. It is fairly new, according to the paradors, and has a great view of the city.
If you prefer a vacation rental, HomeAway has some rights in Segovia: Segovia vacation rentals.
What to eat
Local specialties are lamb and suckling pig, trout and huge white beans called Judiones de la Granja .
Restaurants? Almost anything that offers the above specialties. The José María Restaurant near the Plaza Mayor is recommended. The Parador is said to have good food. For the view, I would go with La Postal.
Enjoy your trip to Segovia, be it a day trip from Madrid or a longer stay.
