Segovia: much more than the Aqueduct

The passage of history has left its mark on Segovia, a beautiful city that now has UNESCO World Heritage status. Situated just 90 kilometres from Madrid, it boasts a magnificent cultural heritage including the imposing Roman Aqueduct from the 1st century AD, a colossal universal symbol for this location in the region of Castile and León. Shall we begin our tour?

A stroll through the streets of Segovia is a pleasant and very interesting way of gaining an insight into the history of Spain. Over the centuries, various civilisations (Romans, Arabs, Jews and Christians) have left an artistic heritage that is difficult to match elsewhere. This will become obvious as you stroll through its old town, whose streets still boast the medieval structure and civic and religious buildings of various architectural styles. Many of them were built during the Middle Ages, the heyday of this city in the region of Castile and León. One example from this period is the Cathedral, the last Gothic building constructed in Spain; another is the Alcázar, the impressive fortress with its stunning views of the city. And then there is the unique Casa de los Picos House, with a façade that leaves no-one unmoved.

Towers, Romanesque churches, squares, steps, mansions and Renaissance palaces, synagogues, porticoes, convents, gardens… Segovia boasts a whole host of monuments and an almost endless list of places of interest. To make sure you don't miss anything, call in at the tourist information centre, where the staff will be pleased to help you draw up a tour of the city. You will see one monument that predominates over everything else: the spectacular Roman Aqueduct, an engineering achievement dating back almost 2,000 years and whose colossal appearance is still intact today. The best view of it can be obtaiend from the popular Plaza Azoguejo square: the huge blocks of granite stand 29 metres tall, seeming to dwarf everything in the vicinity.

Be sure not to miss one of Segovia's other attractions: its cuisine. Restaurants and bars offer delicacies such as the broad-bean dish known as judiones,the local punch called ponche segoviano and the province's most famous dish of all, roast suckling pig. Enjoy this destination that attracts thousands of visitors every year.