Segovia
A World Heritage city
The World Heritage city of Segovia looks like a fairytale setting as it sits high on a hill, between two rivers, and crowned by a castle. The Alcázar of Segovia, which is said to have inspired Walt Disney's castle, is a must-see. And if that wasn't enough, it boasts an imposing 2,000-year-old aqueduct from the time of the Roman Empire and a maze of medieval streets that are a joy to explore.
Also, a 15-minute drive from the city and 80km from Madrid is the Real Sitio de La Granja de San Ildefonso. This town boasts a wealth of natural surroundings and an important cultural heritage. Visitors can appreciate the beauty of the Royal Palaces of La Granja and Riofrío, the Royal Glass Factory of La Granja, as well as admire the architecture of its distinctive buildings. This area of privileged nature is ideal for outdoor activities, especially in the Valsaín Mountains.
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MUST-SEE
Alcazar
dating back more than 2,000 years, it was a Roman fortress but also a Hispano-Muslim fortress. Climb the 152 steps of the tower's spiral staircase and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. You can also visit its ancient weapons galleries.
Aqueduct
167 stone arches, built without mortar. It is one of the most outstanding engineering works from the Roman Empire.
El Último Pino viewpoint
From this vantage point, you will be able to take a superb photograph of the city. It is located on the Cuesta de los Hoyos and to reach it you have to get to the car park of the Pradera de San Marcos, located halfway up the slope. A staircase to the right leads up the hill to admire the breathtaking views.
The Cathedral
Also called La Dama De Las Catedrales for its luminosity and height, it was built between the 16th and 17th centuries and is the last Gothic cathedral in Spain.
El Palacio Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso
A spectacular setting. It is reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles, with its gardens and monumental fountains (26 water spouts and more than 50 statues). The palace's highly ornate rooms include a Tapestry Museum with a valuable collection of Flemish tapestries.
The Royal Glass Factory of La Granja
this 18th-century factory has magnificent collections of glassware, demonstrations of glassblowing (an ancient method invented in the 1st century BC for creating handcrafted objects), and a shop where you can buy glassware sets and other souvenirs.
Titirimundi
If you are travelling with children, they will love this festival, with puppet shows in every corner of Segovia. It is usually held in May.
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WHERE CAN I EAT?
A city of inns, taverns and restaurants, Segovia boasts a Castilian fusion cuisine from the past and present. In fact, a large part of its tourist attraction is its famous culinary delights.
The famous roast suckling lamb, characteristic of the region, is a delicacy not to be ignored. Barco de Ávila beans, stewed with chorizo sausage and black pudding, are another typical dish worth trying. We can't forget the sopa castellana, a garlic soup with bread and egg, which is both hearty and tasty. Desserts include ponche segoviano (Segovian punch), made with puff pastry and custard, which is a delicacy. Another dish worth mentioning is Judiones de Granja de San Ildefonso, a dish grown in the town of La Granja de San Ildefonso. Halal menu options are also available in Segovia. The Segovia tourism website lists different restaurants catering for all tastes.¡
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WHAT IF I WANT TO GO SHOPPING?
A pleasant stroll around the main places of interest, specifically between the Aqueduct and the Alcázar, will take you to shops selling local crafts (leather, textiles, ceramics, bookbinding, etc.) and antiques.
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WHERE IS THE CITY LOCATED?
Segovia is about 90 kilometres from Madrid and, thanks to the high-speed trains, you can make the journey in less than half an hour.
