Segovia: A City Break in Spain’s Hidden Gem

Less than 100 kilometers and just an hour away from Madrid, Segovia, with its medieval beauty, quaint narrow streets, and stunning natural scenery, emerges as a perfect destination for a fulfilling yet peaceful trip through time.

Segovia, known as the “City of Victory” based on its etymology from the words “sego” (victory) and “briga” (city), carries a history that spans millennia. It offers a wealth of experiences year-round and serves as both an autonomous destination and a complementary getaway to Madrid.

Accessing Segovia from Spain’s capital is remarkably easy, requiring just a short 50-minute trip by car or bus. The city is perched on a rocky hill with views of the Eresma and Clamores rivers, making its climate more humid.

Exploring Segovia

Your tour begins as you arrive at the central Plaza Mayor, home to some of Segovia’s most iconic buildings, including the Cathedral and the Church of San Miguel. Both structures showcase Gothic architecture, with the cathedral particularly standing out due to its towering 88-meter-high bell tower, impressive stained glass windows, and imposing design. A visit to this remarkable building is a must. Additionally, don’t miss the Juan Bravo Theater, which hosts a variety of artistic events from theater and music performances to dance shows and puppet theater.

Segovia is a highly walkable city, allowing you to explore routes just 15 minutes from the center. Heading east, follow the road leading to the Plaza del Azoguejo, where the monumental Roman aqueduct stands. This ancient structure, which provided water to the area until the 19th century, is 28.5 meters high, with 167 arches, and stretches 818 meters long. Both the aqueduct and Segovia’s Old Town have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Next, stroll towards the city’s Jewish Quarter. Although the Jewish community left Segovia in 1492, their legacy remains in the buildings of this district, which once housed five synagogues and rabbinical schools, later converted into Christian churches and public buildings. This area is now known as the Barrionuevo or “New Neighborhood.”

The Alcázar of Segovia

Walking westward, you will encounter the breathtaking Alcázar of Segovia, a royal palace perched on a dramatic cliff. It is said that this castle inspired Walt Disney’s design for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Aside from its stunning beauty, the castle reflects Segovia’s evolving history, having served as a prison for two centuries, then as the seat of the royal artillery academy, and now as a major tourist attraction. The interior of the Alcázar features rooms such as the Throne Room, the Gallery, and the Hall of Kings, providing visitors with a glimpse of Moorish Spain through the artistic works of the Mudejar (Muslims from Andalusia).

Other Must-See Sights

If time permits, two more experiences are highly recommended. First, visit the Segovia Museum, located in the western part of the city walls. It houses over 1,500 exhibits, including Stone Age engravings, coins, folk art, Renaissance paintings, sculptures, and traditional costumes. Second, explore the City Walls (Murallas de Segovia), which hide many charming alleys worth wandering. A stop at the Puerta de San Andrés, one of the most beautiful gateways into Segovia’s fortifications, is particularly recommended.

What to Eat

No trip to Segovia is complete without trying cochinillo, the famous crispy and succulent roast suckling pig, weighing 4-5 kilograms and traditionally fed only on sow’s milk for two to six weeks. Another similar dish is lechazo, a milk-fed lamb up to 40 days old, weighing between 9 and 12 kilograms, slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Both dishes are typically served with judiones de la granja, large white beans cooked with tomato, onion, carrot, paprika, and chorizo sausages. This is the third traditional dish in the creative local cuisine, which you can enjoy at any restaurant in the city, with Restaurante José María and Restaurante Panorámico La Postal standing out for their exceptional take on these classic dishes and their refined aesthetics.

Where to Stay

For accommodations, it’s worth booking a room in or near the Old Town to stay close to Segovia’s medieval charm. Top choices include Infanta Isabel in Plaza Mayor, Real Segovia on Juan Bravo Street, and Palacio San Facundo in Plaza San Facundo. These excellent options are all within walking distance of the aqueduct and other key attractions.

Alternatively, numerous guesthouses and apartments are available on popular short-term rental platforms for those traveling on a tighter budget.

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