Segovia, Castile and León, Spain: visitor guide & tips

Overview

Segovia's old town stands on a rocky ridge north of the Guadarrama mountains. Its Roman aqueduct, built around the late 1st or early 2nd century, still strides across the city centre.

At the other end of the ridge is the Alcázar, a royal castle with pointed towers, and between them the late-Gothic cathedral. The old town and aqueduct are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best time to visit

Spring to autumn is most pleasant; winters are cold, and the mountains may have snow. Weekends are busy with visitors from Madrid.

Highlights

Aqueduct

More than 160 granite arches built without mortar.

Alcázar

A castle-palace on a rocky prow with views over the countryside.

Cathedral

One of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Spain.

Plaza Mayor

The main square at the heart of the old town.

Walls and viewpoints

Walks around the ridge with views of the Alcázar.

Getting there

High-speed trains from Madrid Chamartín to Segovia take about 30 minutes, then a bus ride of about 15 minutes to the aqueduct. Direct buses from Madrid take about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Practical tips