segovia

Segovia lived its golden age during the Middle Ages, when it became the place of residence of the court of the Trastamaras. In 1985 UNESCO declared Segovia "Heritage of Mankind". Visitors can splendor in the Romanesque buildings, and enjoy a wealth of heritage that is still conserved today.

Segovia has a magnificent Roman aqueduct and is a symbol of the city. It is the finest example of its epoch and style of those still in existence. It 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 in order to bring 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 are neither cemented nor stuck together by any substance, and they remain as a solid perfect block up until 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.

Alcazar of Segovia was a Moorish fortress that has incorporated elements from diverse epochs but may be more recognized as the source of inspiration to Walt Disney. 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 conserved along with the doors of San Cebrian and Santiago.Originally it had two more doors that are now no longer there.

The Cathedral, also known as the "the Lady of cathedrals" It is one of the last gothic buildings to be constructed in Spain. It has been 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 the year 1768. The Cathedral Museum offers us a 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. 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.

The mountains also provide a dramatic backdrop to Segovia's monumental skyline.The Hoces del Duraton Nature Park in 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 Thuriferous junipers,willows, poplars, ashes, elms and alders. The Natural Park show us exceptional landscapes and its extensive green-belt provides us with miles of shaded walks.

You must visit the medieval village of Pedraza de la Sierra or Sebulcor - known as El Sepulcro during the Middle Ages. In Pedraza de la Sierra, you will find a 14th-century prison and a well preserved Castillo. Be aware that the place receives tons of weekend visitors from Madrid.

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 13.30h. (Monday to Friday). Their phone number: 921 47 00 19

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