Between the legacy of the Roman Empire and marvelous castles: a walk full of surprises in the splendid Unesco World Heritage town.
A few steps from Madrid, Segovia is the trip out of town for the people of Madrid.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the city retains the legacy of the Roman Empire, thanks above all to its aqueduct.
How to reach Segovia
Getting to Segovia is very easy as it is about an hour's drive from Madrid, but the best option is to take theAVE from ChamartĂn Station, which in just 25 minutes will take you to this wonderful place medieval town. Once you arrive at your destination, a bus will take you to center of Segovia.
If you prefer one organized tour, from Madrid buses leave every day with a guide that will take you on a tour of a few hours or a whole day. Prices start at 45 euros, and you can also choose to visit Toledo on the same day.
What to see in Segovia
Arriving in the historic center of Segovia the first thing you will see will be the majestic Roman aqueduct. It is one of the architectural jewels that the Roman Empire gave to the Iberian Peninsula, whose legend claims that it was built by the devil in a single night.
Strolling through the streets of Segovia you will inevitably arrive at the Plaza Mayor, an emblematic place in Spanish history because it is where Queen Isabella la Cattolica proclaimed herself Queen of Castile. In the same square is the cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and to San Frutos, known as the "lady of the cathedrals" for its size and elegance. It was the last Gothic cathedral to be built in Spain, but it also has typical Renaissance features. Admission is subject to charges and you can participate in organized tours of the Church, the bell tower and the cloister.
For more information on prices and opening hours I suggest you consult the dedicated website.
Leaving the Plaza Mayor behind us we enter the Jewish quarter, the "juderĂa", inhabited by the Jewish community until their expulsion by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Here we can admire theAncient Major Synagogue or simply walk through its narrow streets. You will feel like you are in another era!
Another must-see monument in Segovia, and in Spain in general, is theAlcazar. It is a fortress built during the Arab domination which, seen from afar, surrounded by trees and the wall, will leave you speechless. The Alcazar made even Disney fall in love, so much so that this castle served as the inspiration for designing Snow White's castle.
Here too, admission is subject to a fee and you can find out the rates and timetables on the official website.
What to eat in Segovia
Let's talk now about gastronomy. The typical dish of Segovia is the "pig“, A suckling pig cooked slowly for hours and then traditionally cut with a plate, to demonstrate the tenderness of its meat.
It is a delicious dish, which is not always "low-cost", so I recommend consulting the menus that are often in plain sight outside the restaurants.
Instead, if you want to try something that is truly Spanish and on a budget, I recommend you go to the Cerveceria Bavaria, you can try the “platos combinados” with huevo frito and house croquetas or the Russian salad. The prices are absolutely cheap but the environment is a bit spartan.
Alternatively, you can choose to eat a sandwich or sandwich in one of the many cafes, or go to Burger King or Telepizza.
Visiting Segovia is a unique experience, you will not regret it!
