A relaxed day trip from Madrid, Segovia is a UNESCO World Heritage site just an hour’s drive from the capital. Most of the old city is an easy walk through letting you discover it at your own pace. I visited Spain a few years ago to write a piece on Madrid for Man’s World (on invitation by Spanish Tourism) and Segovia was a charming discovery . These are some pictures and memories.
You can also check Salamanca and Madrid food memories on my blog
The stunning and well preserved Roman aqueduct from 1AD STILL WORKS and carries drinking water to the city ! It serves as a great landmark and meeting point for everyone.
There are steps that take you to the top of the aqueduct – just follow the signs. But be careful if it rains as it can get slippery.
The Alcazar or Royal Place is said to have inspired the Disney logo ( though there are many castles in Europe with similar lines). Cross on to the lawns behind the parking lot, below the castle and you will get a stunning phot op and see tons of tourists taking that ‘Disney’ picture from the lawns below the castle. Mine was taken from the bridge.
Segovian sponge cake Ponche Segoviano combines marzipan, sponge cake and custard and is served with ice cream. Definitely a must have – it is delicious . Look for the diamond design which I think they torch on before serving for the authentic Segovian touch
Another classic dish : Judiones de La granja . A white butter bean and pork stew. I saw a lot of locals eating this and baskets of beans in many small stores as we walked around and then discovered it was a traditional and popular stew typical of the region as the beans grow in this area . Glad I got to try it .
Old ruins in a modern textile crafts centre en route to Segovia
This shot does no justice to the impressive and large Cathedral of Segovia. It is the last Gothic ( external supports, flourishes and pointed arches ) cathedral built in Spain before the next architectural style took over. Sit at a cafe close by and admire it for a bit before you go insid
e.
Grab a bottle of some good local wine – small family run vineyards are making a comeback in Segovia. This is one of the small bodegas we visited.
NB Ten kms away from Segovia is the Versailles style Palaciao Real de la Granja de San Il defenso. The Royal Palace in short and La Granja for the locals . It has beautiful gardens along the lines of Versailles in France and equally beautiful interiors. Autumn is the recommended season to stroll through . I was there on a very rainy day but it was still beautiful. Do see that you enter from the main entrance to get the full sweep of the palace and ancient trees
Geeta's List 