Still don’t know what to see in Segovia? Then we have a lot to talk about. Truly, this city in Castile and León is one of Spain’s top tourist attractions… and it’s also very close to Madrid. How about we tell you about the monuments and activities you can’t miss there?
What Is Segovia Famous for
Segovia has over 2,500 years of history. Throughout this time, Celtiberians, Romans, Visigoths, Jews, Muslims, and Christians have left their mark in the form of an invaluable architectural legacy. Within this legacy, the Roman aqueduct is its most representative monument. Not for nothing were both the aqueduct and the city’s old town declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
How Far Is Segovia From Madrid
Segovia is 57 miles from Madrid. To give you an idea, that’s the distance between Orlando and Daytona Beach. This proximity to the Spanish capital makes this city the ideal destination for a day trip, as the journey only takes 70 minutes.
What to Visit in Segovia: 10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss
Segovia Aqueduct
Located in the Plaza del Azoguejo, the aqueduct is to Segovia what the Space Needle is to Seattle. This spectacular work of Roman engineering likely dates back to the 2nd century AD. As one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alcázar of Segovia
The Alcázar served as the royal residence of Castile in the 12th century. In fact, it was here that Isabella the Catholic was proclaimed queen. Did you know that Orson Welles’ 1965 film Falstaff was filmed in this Segovia castle?
Segovia Cathedral
Known as the Lady of the Cathedrals for its beauty, this is the last of the Gothic cathedrals built in Spain. Its 88-meter-high bell tower is also one of the tallest in the entire country.
Jewish Quarter
The first Jewish settlements in the city are believed to date back to the 11th century. From 1481 onwards, this community was confined to the Segovia Jewish Quarter. The neighborhood, located in the south of the city, once included five synagogues, two Talmudic schools, community baths, and a cemetery.
San Marcos Meadow Viewpoint
The San Marcos Meadow viewpoint is located in an idyllic meadow next to the Eresma River. From this natural space, you can admire a splendid view of the Alcázar of Segovia (especially beautiful at sunset).
The Farm of San Ildefonso Royal Palace
La Granja de San Ildefonso is famous for its magnificent Royal Palace and the lush gardens surrounding it. Built in the 18th century by King Philip V, it also houses other notable buildings, such as the Collegiate Church and the Royal Crystal Factory.
St. Andrew’s Gate
The San Andrés Gate (also known as the Socorro Arch) is part of the city’s defensive walls. It was built by King Alfonso VI in the 11th century.
House of the Peaks
The House of the Peaks is the current headquarters of the Segovia School of Art. The most distinctive feature of this historic mansion is its facade adorned with more than 600 granite peaks. Legend has it that a treasure lies hidden beneath one of them.
Church of San Martín and Medina del Campo Square
Built on the site of a 10th-century Mozarabic temple, the Church of San Martín is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Castile. The Medina del Campo square has been a hub of social and commercial activity since medieval times.
Visiting the Escorial on the Way Back To Madrid
The El Escorial Palace is just 34 miles from Segovia. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, this visit is a must on any return trip to Madrid.
What Is There to Do in Segovia
Eat Roasted Suckling Pig in Grill Restaurants
Roast suckling pig is the signature dish of Segovia cuisine. Its origins date back to Roman times, and as early as the 17th century, it was traditionally offered to travelers on their way to court.
Simple to prepare with water and salt, roast suckling pig stands out for its natural flavor. The most iconic place to enjoy it is Cándido’s Inn, where they perform the famous ritual of carving it with a plate.
Visit Antonio Machado House-Museum
This building was originally the humble boarding house where the famous Spanish poet Antonio Machado stayed while he worked as a teacher in Segovia (1919-1932). The place, now declared a Site of Cultural Interest, preserves the atmosphere of the era in which it was inhabited by this distinguished guest.
Eat and Drink Something in the Plaza Mayor
Segovia’s Plaza Mayor is the city’s nerve center. It’s no wonder it’s often the scene of cultural events, such as open-air concerts in the summer and Christmas markets in the winter.
Without a doubt, the Plaza Mayor is one of the best places to indulge in a well-deserved culinary treat. Our suggestions for a tour from Madrid to Segovia. They include farm-raised beans and Castilian soup served with an exquisite DO Ribera del Duero wine.
Final Tips
- The best times of year to take this day trip are spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists.
- Regardless of the time of year you visit Segovia, it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes (the city center streets are cobblestone). It’s also advisable to dress in layers (even in summer).
- The most premium way to explore Segovia is to opt for a private tour with a certified guide. This way, you’ll enjoy a completely personalized sightseeing experience tailored to your tastes and preferences.
By now, we’re sure you’ve figured out what to see in Segovia. It’s certainly a destination that will delight you with a wide variety of monuments and activities. See for yourself with our Segovia Private Tours!
