Segovia
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Segovia
Segovia is a place of romance, a living legacy of the past in an inspiring setting. Perched on a rocky hilltop, this historic walled town boasts stunning views and magnificent monuments. The ancient Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale castle, awe-inspiring cathedral, exquisite Romanesque churches, and mystical monasteries reveal Segovia's rich cultural heritage. Segovia is steeped in complex history, from the Romans of 80 BC to the medieval Moorish period and the coronation of Queen Isabella "the Catholic" in 1474, and in its streets you will find reminders of all these periods. The majority of Segovia's tourist attractions and things to do are found in the Old Town, an atmospheric medieval world of cobblestone streets, ancient alleyways, and charming squares. While discovering the top attractions, wander the narrow pedestrian lanes to find artisan boutiques, cafés, confectionary shops, and restaurants.
1 Ancient Roman Aqueduct
The Roman aqueduct is the symbol of Segovia and forms a magnificent backdrop for the historic city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monumental structure has stood the test of time, enduring two millennia in a remarkably well-preserved condition. The Segovia aqueduct is one of the two largest existing Roman structures in Spain. Built during the "Flavio" period around 50 AD, the aqueduct channeled water 17 kilometers from the Acebeda River in the Sierra de Fuenfría mountains through a deep valley to the ancient city. A feat of engineering, the structure was constructed from 20,400 granite blocks without any cement, and the rows of 167 arches have held together in perfect form to this day. The aqueduct begins near the Granja Palace outside of Segovia and transports water through a canal until it reaches the city. The best place to view this monument is at the Plaza del Azoguejo, the hub of the Old Town, where the aqueduct reaches its maximum height of 28 meters. The aqueduct ends at the Alcázar in an underground channel.
2 Alcázar
With its Disneyland-like turreted towers, this castle makes a fairy-tale impression. The fortress stands majestically above the city on a steep-sided rocky crag. From this vantage point, the views of the surroundings are amazing. The impenetrable location is testament to the original military purpose of the fortress. Dating back to the 12th century, the Alcázar served as the residence of King Alfonso VIII, and in the 13th century, the building was enhanced in elegant Gothic style for John II and Henry IV. The last architectural renovation was completed in the 16th century by the architect Francisco de Mora. The marriage of Philip II and Anne of Austria was celebrated in the Alcázar's chapel.
The entrance to the castle is at the Torre de Juan II, a 14th-century tower ringed by ten semicircular turrets. Visitors can tour all the rooms of the Alcázar, which are exquisitely furnished in period style with tapestries, arms, and armor. The Sala del Solio (Throne Room) is noteworthy for its stunning gilded ceiling. The Sala de la Galera has arched windows offering exceptional views of the river valley. Audio guides explain each room in detail. You can also ascend the Tower of John II to take in stunning panoramas of the town, the Sierra de Guadarrama, and the Meseta.
3 Palacio Real la Granja
This magnificent palace lies 11 kilometers from Segovia in the little town of San Ildefonso, nestled in the Sierra de Guadarrama. The town is a popular weekend retreat for the people of Madrid because of its gorgeous natural setting. In the early 18th century, Philip V chose San Ildefonso as the site for his palace modeled on Louis XIV's Château de Versailles. Built between 1721 and 1739, the palace beautifully imitates the Baroque style of the famous French palace. Visitors can see the Throne Room and other apartments decorated with superb Flemish, French, and Spanish tapestries. The palace has an exquisite church that contains a red marble tomb of Philip V and his wife Isabella Farnese. Surrounding the palace are extensive formal French gardens with beautiful fountains.
4 Catedral de Segovia
This imposing Late Gothic cathedral stands at the highest point of the Old Town dominating its surroundings. The location offers commanding views of the entire city and the surrounding Sierra de Guadarrama foothills. Built between 1525 and 1593, it was the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain. Constructed of yellow stone, the cathedral's intricately articulated facade creates an impressive effect with a tower soaring to 100 meters. The decorative Puerta del Perdón entrance was the masterpiece of Juan Guas. Step inside to take in the Gothic grandeur. Illuminated by vibrant stained-glass windows, the 105-meter-long sanctuary has a sense of serenity and harmony. Fine sculptures, art works, and altars decorate the cathedral's 18 chapels, which are closed by grilles. The main altarpiece is beautifully crafted of marble, jasper, and bronze and displays a 14th-century ivory figure of the Virgen de la Paz. The cathedral also has an Archive Room that preserves more than 500 antique books, including the Sinodal de Aguilafuente, the first book printed in Spain. The cathedral is in the Plaza Mayor in the center of the Old Town. A hub of activity, the square has many sidewalk cafés and is surrounded by a maze of winding medieval streets that are worth exploring.
5 Judería (Jewish Quarter)
The old Jewish quarter is found in the area of Plaza de la Merced and the parish churches of San Miguel and San Andrés and extends to the Plaza del Socorro. With its distinctive medieval ambience, the old Jewish quarter of Segovia offers hints of the Sephardic past. Street names like Judería Vieja and Judería Nueva offer the first clues. The Convent of Corpus Christi also reveals its former life as a synagogue, built in the 13th century, and you can visit to see remnants of the synagogue's original decor, such as columns decorated with pineapples and scrolls. This is the best-preserved of the five synagogues that once existed in Segovia. The quarter was once enclosed by seven gates including Puerta de San Andrés (Plaza del Socorro), which now presents educational exhibits about this historic quarter. The Antigua Carnicería Judía (Ancient Jewish Butcher) building now houses the Museo de Segovia (11 Calle Socorro), a museum of fine arts. At Judería Vieja 12, you'll find the Centro Didáctico de la Judería, where exhibits and videos in English detail the history of Jews in Segovia and elsewhere in Spain.
6 Real Casa de Moneda
Beside the Eresma River near the Alcázar, the Real Casa de Moneda is Segovia's Royal Mint built in the 16th-century, which makes it one of the oldest examples of a commercial building in Spain. The Royal Mint was founded by Philip II and designed by Juan de Herrera. The building operated as a mint between 1586 and 1869 and now houses two museums: the Mint Museum and the Aqueduct Visitor Center with a multimedia presentation about the town's ancient aqueduct. The original hydraulic system of the building is still intact, with a dam in the Eresma river.
7 Iglesia de la Vera Cruz
La Vera Cruz is a splendid Romanesque church on a lonely road outside of the historic town. Founded by the Knights Templar in the 13th century, it was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, where the knights originated. Vera Cruz translates to "True Cross." The church has a simple, austere interior with three semicircular chapels and Mudéjar-style vaulting. Visitors feel a sense of mysticism in the somber sanctuary.
Also outside the walled Old Town, on Alameda de la Fuencisla near the Church of Vera Cruz, the Convento de los Carmelitas Descalzos was founded in 1586 by John of the Cross. The tomb of this mystic poet who inspired the order is here. Visitors approach the convent by a steep stone staircase, reinforcing the impression of ascending to a higher spiritual place, and the convent is surrounded by lovely gardens and ancient cypress trees.
8 Monasterio del Parral
In a picturesque setting of rolling hills outside the historic center of Segovia, this 15th-century monastery is a peaceful retreat in nature. Founded by Henry IV of Spain, the monastery combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. The main chapel of the church is Gothic, while the tower of the church is crowned with Renaissance ornamentation. Around the altarpiece are elaborate alabaster monuments to the Marquises of Villena, who were patrons of the monastery. One of the highlights of the church is the Gothic doorway leading to the ante-sacristy. The monastery has four cloisters: the main cloister, La Portería, La Hospedería, and La Enfermería.
9 Iglesia San Esteban
San Esteban is the most renowned of Segovia's Romanesque churches. In the Old Town north of the Plaza Mayor, the church is found in the slightly sloping Plaza de San Esteban. The building is dominated by its tall tower, which consists of six arched segments relieved and topped by a steeple with a weathercock. Like most of Segovia's Romanesque churches, San Esteban has a loggia where meetings of the guilds were held.
10 Iglesia de San Martín
The splendid 12th-century Iglesia de San Martín exemplifies Castilian Romanesque architecture. The Gothic Capilla de Herrera contains tombs of the Herrera family, and the Capilla Mayor has a noteworthy recumbent figure of Christ by Gregorio Fernández. Other important things to see here are the marble plaque depicting Saint Martin, the richly carved capitals featuring floral motifs and Biblical scenes, and the triptych by the Flemish painter Adriaen Isenbrandt.
The church faces the picturesque little Plazuela de San Martín, with its fountain decorated by two mermaids. On the steps up to the square is a house with a four-arched gallery that was the birthplace of Juan Bravo, one of the leaders of the rising of the Comuneros, while next to it is the impressive 16th-century Torreón de los Lozoya.
11 Iglesia de San Millán
San Millán lies outside the walled historic center of Segovia, in the old Moorish quarter where Mozarab artisans once worked. The church is a typical 12th-century Romanesque church with three naves and three apses, yet the architecture also reveals some Islamic influence, including Caliphate-style vaulting and decorations. Modeled after the Cathedral of Jaca, the church has a tower from a previous Moorish building. The interior features exquisite Mudéjar art works, horseshoe arches, and an interesting 14th-century Gothic crucifix.
12 Museo Gastronómico de Segovia
The Gastronomic Museum of Segovia introduces the traditional food products and agriculture of the region, with exhibits, utensils, and audiovisuals. Located in an old house, part of the museum includes remains of its Roman origins. This is a good chance to sample local cheeses and other foods that you will see offered in Segovia restaurants.
13 Iglesia San Juan de los Caballeros (Zuloaga Museum)
In the Old Town, from the Plaza del Azoguejo, steps beside the aqueduct ascend to the upper town. From the top, a street to the right leads to the Plaza Colmenares, and in this square is the 11th-century Iglesia de San Juan de los Caballeros. This Romanesque church was once the burial place of the leading families of Segovia. The building now houses the Museo Zuloaga, which displays works by the painter Ignacio Zuloaga and the ceramic artist Daniel Zuloaga.
14 La Muralla (Ramparts)
A typical medieval walled town, Segovia is surrounded by formidable ramparts dating back to the 11th century. A substantial portion of the ancient limestone walls has been preserved, starting at the Alcázar fortress. The ramparts feature characteristic crenellations, blind arches, towers, and entrance gates with horseshoe arches. Three of the old entrance gates remain: San Andrés gate, San Cebrián Gate, and Santiago Gate. Inside the former guards' headquarters, tourists can take in an extensive view of the walls that defended the upper areas of the city. Tourists can also take a walk along the ramparts, overlooking the Jewish quarter and the city's monuments. Guided tours are available.
15 Iglesia de San Justo
Near the aqueduct, the Church of San Justo is a gem of Romanesque architecture with a prominent tower. The church was built in the 13th century and was an important stop on the Camino de Santiago medieval pilgrimage trail to Santiago de la Compostela in northern Spain. Although the church is small, it is a treasure trove of art works. Particularly noteworthy are the vibrant Romanesque frescoes in the apse, with an impressive Pantocrátor and scenes from the Passion of Christ and the lives of the Saints.
16 Iglesia de San Clemente
Outside of Segovia's ancient walls, from the Plaza del Azoguejo, the Avenida de Fernández Ladreda runs southwest to the Iglesia de San Clemente. This exquisite 13th-century Romanesque church has an arcaded portico on the exterior. The interior features an interesting apse featuring blind arches. Be sure to see the lovely 13th-century frescoes on the righthand side of the Capilla Mayor.
17 Casa de los Picos
This 15th-century aristocratic mansion is worth a detour to admire its striking facade resembling a coat of armor, with a relief of pyramid-shaped granite blocks. Notice the coats of arms above the balconies, reflecting the stature of the De la Hoz family who owned the house. Charming decorative tiles featuring pictures of Segovia buildings are found at the entrance and in the courtyard. The Casa de los Picos now houses the Segovia Art School and an exhibition hall that presents temporary exhibitions throughout the year. To arrive here, take the Calle Cervantes or the flight of steps beside the aqueduct and turn left at the top.
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