Spain – Segovia (A Day Trip from Madrid)
SEGOVIA
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| Segovia |
Trains from Madrid to Segovia run frequently and take around 30 minutes from Madrid-Chamartín Station. Once you arrive in Segovia, it's best to take a taxi to the Alcazar located at the top of the hill and then spend the day meandering your way down to the Aqueduct.
The Alcazar of Segovia is a very impressive medieval castle. Built around the 11th century, the fortress is built into the rock at the western end of the Segovia's old town. Throughout the centuries it has been used as a palace, military fort and now museum and UNESCO world heritage site. The amour collection is exceptional, along with the tapestries, frescos and tiles. I can't imagine how many lives have been tossed off the imposing structure. Timed tickets for the museum and Torre de Juan II (tower) are best bought online.
From the Alcazar follow Calle Real to the Plaza Mayor (town centre) and the Cathedral. The Gothic styled church was built between 1525 and 1577 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The tradition of roasting suckling pig holds a special place as a cultural and gastronomic heritage of the Segovian community. Since 1982, restaurant Jose Maria have been serving this delicacy showing off its tenderness by carving the roasted pig with a plate.
After lunch, wander down to the Aqueduct via Puerta de San Andres (Gate of Saint Andrew) and the Jewish Quarter, located in the south of the walled city.
The Aqueduct of Segovia was built around the first century AD. The 167 granite arches and the unmortarted brick-like ashlars are ingeniously connected using the principles of force equilibrium. It is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueduct bridges and the foremost symbol of Segovia.
Stop for gelato near the aqueduct before grabbing a taxi back to the station.
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