Segovia between the Aqueduct, Old Town and History

The Old Town of Segovia is located on a rocky promontory bounded by the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers. The Royal Alcázar of Segovia also stands on a promontory between the Eresma and Clamores rivers. The Old Town of Segovia and its aqueduct were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. The Roman aqueduct is 813 metres long and reaches a height of 28.5 metres above the ground at the lowest point of the valley. In the medieval city, Moors, Christians and Jews lived alongside one another for a long time.

Culture

The Royal Mint of Segovia was built in 1583 by King Philip II and was Spain’s first mechanised mint. The complex now houses a modern, interactive and multimedia Aqueduct Interpretation Centre. The Royal Mint Museum can be visited with an audio guide or as part of a guided tour. Guided tours take place daily; groups must book in advance, and individual visitors can also take part. A guided tour of the aqueduct is also available, for which tickets can be purchased.

Experiences

Visitors can climb a steep spiral staircase to reach the top of the Alcázar tower and enjoy the view over the city from there. The tower of Segovia Cathedral has offered guided tours since it opened to the public on 3 October 2014. Segovia bus station is located on Paseo Ezequiel González, just a few minutes from the city centre.

History

The Casa Museo Antonio Machado is the boarding house in Segovia where the poet Antonio Machado lived for thirteen years during his time as a teacher from 1919 to 1932. The Jewish Quarter Visitor Centre includes a permanent exhibition about Andrés Laguna. The former main synagogue was the religious centre of Segovia’s Jewish community in the Middle Ages and was converted into a church in the early 15th century.

The Francisco Peralta Marionette Collection is housed in Segovia’s historic Puerta de Santiago in the city walls. It comprises a total of 38 marionettes created by Francisco Peralta. In 1122, the Santiago Gate was known as Puerta de Rodrigo Ordoñez. Turismo de Segovia also offers a guided tour along Segovia’s city walls.

Food and Drink

Turismo de Segovia offers an experience entitled “Visita Guiada por el Barrio Judío con Degustación”. At Pastelería Acueducto, visitors can discover the baking workshop and learn how a special sweet from Segovia’s baking tradition is made through a demonstration by Miguel Sanz. The Order of the Poor Clares is responsible for opening the Corpus Christi Convent to the public.

Other Places

Madrona, Santiuste De San Juan Bautista, Dehesa Mayor, Martín Muñoz De Las Posadas, Villacorta, La Velilla, Aldealengua De Santa María, Zarzuela del Pinar

To the overview of the wider trip: Segovia.