Segovia, Castilla y Leon

Segovia, Castilla y Leon - Overview:

Segovia's most famous monument is certainly its colossal Roman aquaduct which dominates all the town. Additional attractions include the Alcazar and the Gothic cathedral. Segovia lived its golden age during the Middle Ages, when it became home to the court of the Trastamaras. In 1985 UNESCO declared Segovia a Heritage of Mankind site. Visitors can revel in the Romanesque buildings, and enjoy a wealth of heritage that is still preserved today.

Segovia, Castilla y Leon - Sightseeing:

Segovia has a magnificent Roman aqueduct that is a symbol of the city. It is the finest example of its period and guards the entrance gate to the historic quarter of Segovia. The Aqueduct of Segovia has been described as being one of the most beautiful in the Roman world. Built to carry water from the river Acebeda to the city, it is a magnificent work of engineering that is still in excellent condition. It has in excess of 20,000 stone blocks that remain as a solid perfect block to this day.

Segovia also has other important treasures from different ages, such as several precious Romanesque churches, a large Gothic cathedral and the splendid Alcazar. The Alcazar of Segovia was a Moorish fortress that has incorporated elements from diverse periods but may be more recognized as the source of inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella's Castle.

It was built on top of a rock that is testament to its military status. The edifice has a number of secret passageways that lead to the river and connect several of the city's palaces together. The Murallas or walls of Segovia come from Alcazar. They surrounded Segovia during the medieval period. The door of San Andres between the two robust towers is preserved along with the doors of San Cebrian and Santiago. Originally it had two more doors that are now no longer there.

The Cathedral is also known as the the Lady of cathedrals. It is one of the last gothic buildings to be constructed in Spain, built at the highest point of the town, after the fire in the old Romanesque cathedral. The main reredos is made of marble, jasper and bronze. It was consecrated in 1768. The Cathedral Museum has large collection of religious art from various periods of history. Visitors should also take the opportunity to see the Church of San Martin, having one of the most beautiful Romanesque atriums in all of Segovia that surrounds the church on three of its sides. Equally impressive is the Church of La Trinidad; a Romanesque temple containing a fortified gallery.

Also in Segovia you can visit the Stately Home of the writer Antonio Machado and the Museum of Contemporary Art named after Esteban Vicente. The Museum of Contemporary Art was once the Palace of Henry IV. It has a garden with a Renaissance chapel which displays a wonderful example of a Mudejar coffered ceiling. It exhibits an impressive collection of Esteban Vicentes oil paintings, collages, drawings, and sculptures.

While in Segiovia, a visit to the medieval village of Pedraza de la Sierra or Sebulcor - known as El Sepulcro during the Middle Ages - is a must. In Pedraza de la Sierra, you will find a 14th-century prison and a well preserved Castillo.

Another place worth visiting is the Palace of Riofrio, which used to be a royal residence in the Italian neoclassical style. The palace hosts the Museum of hunting and can be visited from 10.30 to 13.30hrs. (Monday to Friday).

Segovia, Castilla y Leon - Geography:

The mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to Segovia's monumental skyline. The Hoces del Duraton Nature Park - northeast of Segovia - stands out due to its great archaeological and historical riches, together with its natural beauty. The park is spread over the townships of Sepulveda, Sebulcor and Carrascal del Rio. Containing forests of willows, poplars, ashes, elms and elders. The Natural Park has an abundance of exceptional landscapes and its extensive green-belt affords miles of shaded walks.

Segovia, Castilla y Leon - Our holiday accommodation and service:

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