Segovia

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  • Sightseeing
  • History
  • Tradition and food
  • Getting there

Close to Madrid, Segovia still retains the spirit of old Spanish cities. These are some of the monuments valued by UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage site in 1985.

The Aqueduct

It is one of the most spectacular legacies of the Roman Empire in Spain. It is made up of 166 arches spanning the more than 17 kilometres of the aqueduct, which transported water from La Acebeda to the Alcázar, defying the laws of gravity, since the only thing that keeps the structure standing is its balance of forces; no kind of mortar was used in its construction. Legend says that Segovia's Aqueduct is the result of a pact between a girl and the devil in which she offered him her soul in exchange for water to reach her house before the crack of dawn.

The Cathedral

The apse of this temple, the construction of which began in 1525, marks the boundaries between the Plaza Mayor and the Judería Vieja (Old Jewish Quarter). Inside, the 16th century stained glass windows and the Altarpiece designed by Sabatini are particularly noteworthy.

The Alcázar

The splendid views over the Pinarillo (with the Jewish Cemetery), Zamarramala and the Church of Vera Cruz are reason enough to make your way to this old castle. A deep moat with its drawbridge provides access to this fortress, which became the royal residence in the 13th century, and from whose tower, Alfonso X studied the firmament. To the left, lies the Casa de la Química, built in the period of the Enlightenment, which was Louis Proust's research centre.

Other Places of Interest

  • El Azoguejo (diminutive of zoco, the Spanish word for souk). Despite the changes it has undergone over the years, the monumental heritage continues to be the heart of the city. Its streets were the point where the roads converged, and these became the meeting place for traders. Nowadays, it is an excellent starting point to discover the city.
  • Canonjías Neighbourhood. This area is where the Casa de la Imprenta and the Casa de la Inquisición were located, but it was also a shelter for artists such as Zuolaga and Maurice Fromkes. It was precisely the American painter who gave the gardens of Calle de Velarde their name, from which the valley of Eresma can be admired.
  • Antonio Machado House. At number 5, Calle Desamparados, you can visit the former Casa de Huéspedes, where Antonio Machado lived for 12 years.
  • Caballeros Neighbourhood. This area is home to some of the most interesting Romanesque churches in the city: Trinidad, San Nicolás, San Martín and San Sebastián. Inside the Dominican convent, visitors will be able to see the sculpture in the Tower of Hercules, which represents Hercules, founder of the city. 
  • Old Synagogue. What was once the largest synagogue in Segovia is now the Corpus Christi Convent.
  • Segovia City Walls. With a perimeter of more than 3,000 metres, these walls enclose the city and still retain 3 of their 5 original gates. Interestingly, gravestones from the ancient Roman necropolis were used in their construction.
  • La Judería. Take a stroll around the charming streets of the city’s old Jewish Quarter, including Judería Vieja, Santa Ana, Corralillo de los huesos…, marvel at the San Andrés Gate, or visit the Judería Education Centre… these are just a few options for what you can do in this area.
  • Esteban Vicente Museum of Modern Art. It’s well worth a trip to the centre dedicated to this artist, as well as other museums in the city such as the Museum of Segovia.

 

Other Tourist Trains

A unique way of travelling to and discovering Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. We'll be back in 2024!

A period train running between the capital and Aranjuez recreates the Madrid area’s first rail line. From 30 March to 10 November 2024.

Get on board this vintage train whose steam locomotive pushes its way past stunning landscapes in southeast Madrid. From 3 March to 26 May 2024.

Travel from Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial on a vintage train and unveil the secrets of King Philip II’s empire. From 23 March to 16 June 2024.

CLOSE TO THE CITY

  • French formal gardens, monumental fountains, glass factories, beautiful landscapes and delicious judiones beans. There’s much more to La Granja than just its palace.

    La Granja de San Ildefonso
  • La Granja de San Ildefonso
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  • Titirimundi

    Titirimundi

    Festival of puppetry and the performing arts that has filled the streets of Segovia every spring since 1985.

OFFICIAL PRODUCTS

The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass.

An observation deck at 92 metres.

Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs.