Location: Segovia
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What to do and see in Segovia, Castile and Leon: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Segovia is a picturesque old city with twisting alleyways, the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in all of Europe and pedestrian-only streets, all bordered by a medieval wall and two rivers. In 1985, this sleepy Castillan town was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. One of the main tourist attractions is Alcázar, a royal palace built sometime around the 11th century where Queen Isabel agreed to fund Christopher Columbus’ exploration of the New World. The picturesque palace is said to be Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella's Castle.
Restaurants in Segovia
1. Acueduct of Segovia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9,595 reviews
Reviewed By Sandbridgetraveler
We did a day trip with a private guide to Segovia to see the aqueduct which is one of the most well preserved elevated Roman aqueducts in the world. It is an engineering marvel built out of interlocking stones with no mortar. Built it in the 15th century it is difficult to imagine that it is still standing and as well preserved as it is today.
2. Cathedral of Segovia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,386 reviews
The Holy Cathedral of Segovia is a Catholic temple devoted to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and San Frutos. During the Communions War (1520 – 1522) the Cathedral was destroyed, it was located in front of the Fortress. They decided to build a new one. The first stone of the new Cathedral was used the 8th of June 1525 in its current location and its design relies on the architect D. Juan Gil de Hontañón. A Late Gothic style can particularly be seen on the Cathedral’s tower, the highest one during the XVII century. In 1614, a fire caused the destruction of its wooden spire. Hence, a stone spire designed by Pedro de Brizuela was used as a substitute. It was consecrated the 16th of July 1768 by Bishop D. José Martínez Escalzo. Currently, it is known by many as “The Lady of Cathedrals”, due to its size and slenderness.
Reviewed By JElliot32 - New South Wales, Australia
Segovia's Cathedral is said to be the last of Spain's Gothic cathedrals, started in 1525 after the previous cathedral was destroyed, but then not finished until 250 years later. Its interior is beautiful, typically sumptuous in the Spanish way and at times over-the-top. We also thought the building a more manageable size to explore than some of Spain's grandest cathedrals like Burgos or Toledo. Even so, it still took us nearly an hour to see it all, including the cloisters the chapterhouse and the treasures on display on the lower levels, and without doing the tower tour, which was only available in Spanish.
3. Alcazar of Segovia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,016 reviews
Fortress of the Kings of Castile and Royal School of Artillery Its picture has been around the world: a unique fairy tale-like palace that brings together architectural tastes of different monarchs. It tells -to all those who come to know it- ancient palatial stories. Austere, as they were the Castilian kings, raised on the rock at the confluence of the valleys of the rivers Eresma and Clamores, the Alcazar seems to watch over the city. Its beautiful Tower keep, often compared to the bow of a boat sailing between the two rivers, is of a stunning beauty. Tourists are amazed to realize that the fortress is a living part of this Castilian city, chosen as a place of residence for many of the monarchs of the Trastamara dynasty.
Reviewed By LaurieB980 - Portland, United States
Our tour guide took us here to this city, a UNESCO site, for a tour which included this beautiful castle in Segovia. It is said that Walt Disney used this castle as well as the Neuschwanstein castle in Germany as his inspiration for the castle at Disneyland, and we could see why! It is built high on what seems like a huge rocky formation with sheer dropoffs on many of the castle sides. The day we were there and outside looking over the edge, a sharp wind came up along with rain, and we had to be careful not to get blown away! We heard that they often have to close the terrace due to the high wind possibly blowing people over the edge down many feet below!! It is a great place to visit, and well worth the hour or so drive from Madrid.
4. San Esteban Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By pedroc794 - Segovia, Spain
It is the best exponent of Segovian Romanesque church tower art. The large esplanade on which it which border was situated allows the observation of the front walls of the church both day and night. It is also worth a visit inside. This tower, the acueduct, the cathedral towers, the city walls and the "Alcazar" Castle makes a fantastic skyline of the town from the valladolid road, 5 km from the city center.
5. Iglesia de San Millan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By mdh2040 - Maryland, United States
This is a church still in use with a very good organ tucked away in the back on the side of the church. The altar area is quite small with three small and very beautiful narrow stained glass windows showing what I assume are saints (Millan?) There are chapels to the right and left of the altar, equally beautiful. The capitals on the piers are different from each other and I believe a donkey is on one of them. We arrived close to 8:00 PM on a Saturday night to tour the church but were so surprised to find that a free concert was about to begin. That was very special and we got to hear the organ and a few other instruments. This is a lovely church that you don’t want to miss. Do the tour if possible when the lights are on.
6. Iglesia de la Vera Cruz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
Reviewed By WorldTravelerCO - Thornton, United States
This is a beautiful old church full of history! If you are at all in to the history of Malta, this church becomes even more appealing and interesting!
7. Monasterio Sta. Maria del Parral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
8. Monasterio de San Antonio El Real
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
9. Plaza de Medina del Campo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By Jydeoo - Lagos, Nigeria
This little square makes an excellent place to pause the walk from the Aqueduct to the Plaza Mayor (and also in the reverse direction). The monument of Juan Bravo is on one side of the Plaza and the other side has the 12th century church of San Martin
10. Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 421 reviews
Reviewed By FernandoAlmeida2013 - Lisbon, Portugal
Wonderful view of the fairy tale Alcazar of Segovia from the base of the cliff. On the way you should follow the beautiful gardens on the banks of the rivers that encircle this unforgettable town.In the surroundings of the belvedere don´t miss the mysterious Church of Vera Cruz with a rare octagonal shape (open until 7.00 PM in Summer).
