Segovia

Background

Segovia lies in Castile and León, Spain, at the northern foot of the Guadarrama mountains, on a bend of the Eresma river. The old town and the aqueduct were inscribed together on the World Heritage List in 1985. The aqueduct was built in the late 1st to early 2nd century AD from about 25,000 granite blocks laid without mortar; the arcaded section crossing the Plaza del Azoguejo is about 818 metres long, with more than 160 arches and a maximum height of about 29 metres. The Alcázar stands on a rocky promontory between the Eresma and Clamores rivers and is first documented in 1122; Segovia Cathedral is often described as the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain and is known as the "Lady of Cathedrals". In the Middle Ages, its trade routes made Segovia an important centre of wool and textiles, and the late Middle Ages brought a golden age.

Local customs

• Look up at the aqueduct's double tier of arches from the square
• climb the Alcázar tower for views over the old town and the river valley
• try local dishes such as roast suckling pig, then stroll along the city walls.

Travel tips

• Admission and opening hours are subject to each site's official website
• a day trip from Madrid is feasible, but allow a full day
• summer afternoons are hot, so plan indoor sights for the heat of the day.
• High-speed trains from Madrid reach Segovia-Guiomar station in about half an hour, while long-distance buses take a little longer
• check the official information
• the old town is best explored on foot. Spring and autumn are best for strolling
• summers are sunny and hot, winters are cold, and the Guadarrama mountains occasionally see snow.