A Photo Tour of The Ancient Spanish City of Segovia
Exploring the Roman aqueduct, Segovia Cathedral, and Alcazar of Segovia
To fully appreciate the city of Segovia, it's important to familiarize yourself with its history, as there are several key historical sites worth visiting.
Segovia’s origins go back to an Iberian settlement around 700 BCE. It was captured by the Romans around 80 BCE and this Roman influence is still present in the city today. The most famous example is the 2000 year old aqueduct that was built to transport water from the FrÃo River.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Segovia fell under the control of the Visigoths and Moors in the 8th century. It was later reconquered by Christian forces and resettled by King Alfonso VI in 1088.
All of these changes helped build Segovia into a diverse mix of cultures and religions which you’ll see throughout the cities architecture.
Our Adventures in Segovia
Last week, I shared our family day trip from Madrid to Cuenca. This week, I'm excited to present a historical and photographic tour of our visit to Segovia.
Our adventure began with a smooth 50-minute train ride from Madrid to Segovia. Upon arrival, a 15-minute bus ride (Bus Line 11) took us to the base of the old town. Conveniently, the bus drops you off directly at the Segovia Aqueduct, making it the perfect starting point for exploration.
The early November weather was cool, with overcast skies, comfortable for walking. While not ideal for photography, it suited our historical tour just fine.
We spent time admiring the well-preserved Roman aqueduct. Built in the 1st century AD, many of the semi-circular arches had to be rebuilt during the 15th century after being destroyed by the Moors.
The aqueduct extends from the bus stop back into the city. We followed it for about 100 meters to get different views and pictures.
A nearby walkway takes you from the street level to the top of the aqueduct where you can enter the old city walls. There’s a stopping point at the top which offers picturesque views of the city and the distant mountains. Once within the city walls, the walkable nature of this historic town becomes truly enjoyable.
Narrow streets and piazzas awaited our exploration. We enjoyed lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading to the Segovia Cathedral in the city’s main square. This imposing structure, is a sight to behold.
It was constructed in the mid-16th century, between 1525 and 1577, using Gothic architecture.
We wandered around the cathedral before climbing the steps to the bell tower.
The bell tower provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside, offering the first glimpse of Segovia’s majestic fort in the distance, the furthest point in the city walls.
After exploring the cathedral, we made our way down to the Alcazar of Segovia. From here, the streets narrow considerably but the limited traffic in this area made for a pleasant stroll.
Upon reaching the fort, we could now fully appreciated its size and external architectural beauty. The fortress began its life as a Roman fort but little of that original structure remains. The Moors also used it as a fort until 1120 when it was rebuilt by King Alfonso VIII. Since then, it has served as a royal palace, state prison, military academy, and, most recently, as a museum.
Inside, we were greeted by ornate gold ceilings, wall murals, paintings, statues, and medieval suits of armor as we moved from room to room.
Climbing to the top of the castle offers a fresh perspective of the city, allowing for photos of the Segovia Cathedral against the backdrop of the city center. One intriguing discovery was the ancient writings carved into the stones.
On a sunny day, the view of the cathedral set against the distant mountains serves as a perfect photo opportunity of this beautiful city.
As dusk approached, we ascended back to the city center, ready to return to Madrid for dinner.
Good for families?
We enjoyed our time in Segovia. It’s an easy day trip and very walkable city. If your family enjoys visiting historic sites then there’s plenty to see and do. If you have younger kids that want to go to kids museums, playgrounds, etc. then Segovia may not be the best day trip for you.
Places to visit
Roman Aqueduct: This iconic structure is one of the finest examples of Roman engineering.
Alcázar of Segovia: This stunning castle looks like something out of a fairy tale, perched on a rocky cliff. It has served as a royal palace, fortress, and military academy. The interior features ornate rooms and a climb to the tower offers panoramic views.
Segovia Cathedral: Known as the "Lady of Cathedrals," this late Gothic cathedral is an architectural masterpiece. It dominates the Plaza Mayor and features beautiful chapels, a museum, and a bell tower with spectacular views.
Plaza Mayor: The main square in Segovia's old town is a lively hub surrounded by cafes, shops, and historic buildings, including the town hall and Segovia Cathedral.
Jewish Quarter (La JuderÃa): This historic area is home to charming narrow streets, remnants of synagogues, and sites that reflect Segovia’s Jewish community.
Walls of Segovia: Parts of the ancient city walls can still be explored, providing insight into the city's defensive past and offering great views of Segovia’s surroundings.
On my list, hopefully I'll see it next year. Thanks for the photos, they're wonderful!
Great photos! We loved our day trip to Segovia. It’s a beautiful place.