don Quijote UK > Student Articles
  • Student Articles


Segovia

By Olivia Elson

Segovia is a beautiful Spanish city located in the autonomous region of Castilla y León. Relatively small in size, with a population of around 55.000, the city’s growth has slowed in recent years and it has retained much of its traditional charm, with an abundance of historical buildings and monuments for the visitor to while away the hours in addition to a lively evening atmosphere at the many popular bars and restaurants. Some Segovia´s landmarks include the Aqueduct, the Alcázar and Segovia´s Cathedral.

The climate in the region is relatively cool, with an average annual temperature of 11.5°C – only marginally higher than London’s. Segovia is situated along a ridge which overlooks the confluence of two rivers, Eresma and Clamores. In 1985, UNESCO recognised the old city and Aqueduct as World Heritage Sites, and the city’s economy depends to a great degree on the tourism that such places of interest attract.

Being only 35 minutes from Madrid by train (or 90 minutes by bus) Segovia is an extremely popular destination for day-trippers from the capital, though it certainly offers far more than a day’s entertainment if time permits. Below are some of the city’s most appreciated attractions:

The Aqueduct

The Aqueduct in Segovia is a Roman structure and symbol of the city was originally built to carry water to Segovia from the surrounding mountains. Theorists suggest it was built in the first century and has hardly altered through the ages. The most extraordinary thing is that the 166 arches, made of granite blocks, are held together entirely by an ingenious balance of forces, and require no mortar. Beginning in Riofrío and ending at the Alcázar, this incredible construction stretches for over 30km.

The Cathedral

Segovia’s Cathedral is one of many Gothic style buildings in the city. It dates back to 1525, when construction began, though it took almost 200 years to complete. Sitting on the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral is at the very heart of the old city, with its 90m high bell tower being one of the most impressive elements. Until the middle of the 20th century, the bell-ringer lived there, enjoying stunning views over the city of Segovia. Today, special permission is required from the Chapter in order to ascend the tower. Visitors may explore the cathedral’s 18 chapels, which contain many important paintings and sculptures; in addition, the Cathedral Archive houses numerous early printing works, including the very first book to be printed in Spain. 

The Alcázar

A testament to the city’s name, which is believed to be Celtic for “fortress” or “castle”, the Alcázar is a stone fortification which stands on a rocky crag at the meeting point of the rivers Eresma and Clamores. Its distinctive shape, like the bow of a ship, makes it one of the most well-known buildings of its kind in the country. Although it was originally built as a fortress, it has also served as a royal palace, a state prison and a military academy.

Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city from the top of the tower, as well as the gardens and states at the front entrance of the Alcázar. Inside, the rooms are steeped in history. The throne room, for example, is the location of Queen Isabella I’s marriage to Ferdinand II in the 15th century; the Hall of Ajimeces is home to many works of art; and the building also houses an impressive frieze of all the Spanish Kings and Queens through the ages.

If art isn’t your interest, the Alcázar is certainly worth a visit if only to admire its magical architecture. The Rapunzel-style towers and turrets surrounded by a deep moat make it the archetypal fairytale castle - indeed, it is even said to have inspired Walt Disney.

Other noteworthy places in Segovia include the Corpus Christi Church, which has a particularly interesting past since it was previously used as a Synagogue. As such, its architecture and interior decoration constitute a fascinating mix of Christian and Jewish traditions. Also worth a trip are the Iglesia de San Millán, a Romanesque style church typical of the region, and the striking and expansive fortress, Castillo de Coca.



[ Go back - More Student Articles ]

Latest Student Articles

Bank of Spain

Rivers in Spain

History of Salamanca University

Las Ramblas, Barcelona - Spain

Famous Universities in Spain

Prehistoric Spain

Goya’s Black Paintings