Segovia – Incredible City In The Heart Of Spain
Segovia is the capital of the same-named province in the middle of Spain. Both, the province and the city, belong to the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. The name “Segovia” has a Celtic origin and most likely, it means fortress. The nearest cities are Madrid and Valladolid.
El Camino de Santiago (Pilgrimage to Santiago) passes through Segovia. The city lies at an altitude of 750 m above sea level; the terrain is quite rocky and it is surrounded by two river gorges. Segovia has a Mediterranean climate and vegetation consists mainly of oaks and pines.
Segovia has about 55 000 inhabitants who are mostly employed in metallurgy and agriculture. Segovia has always been an important trading center
This city has been an important trading center since the time of the Romans who left their mark on it. In the first century AD, they built the aqueduct that is 15 km long and about 29 meters high. The Aqueduct is situated on the Azoguejo Plaza (in front of the entrance to the old town) and it is the pride of Segovia. It has 163 arches and it is made of stone blocks from the nearby Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains. Segovia aqueduct is the most preserved aqueduct in the world.
In the middle Ages, Segovia was a strong trading center whose economy was based on wool production. This city has the largest number of Romanesque churches in the world. Let us start with the most beautiful of all.
The 16th-century Cathedral, popularly called the “lady of all cathedrals,” is the tallest building in Segovia located on the Plaza Mayor. Segovia’s castle is the place where the Spanish queen promised to help Columbus in his plans. It is the Alcázar castle. It was the inspiration for Walt Disney many times due to its 80 meters high tower and drawbridge.
It is easy to make a decision if you have the choice (and Segovia has it)
The old town of Segovia is surrounded by walls and it is a pedestrian zone.
Within the old town there are many churches, libraries, mansions and other buildings that were built in the Romanesque style. Here, you can visit some of these places: Santisi Trinidad Church (from the 12th century), La Vera Cruz Church (built in 1208), San Martín Church (from the 11th century) and San Esteban Church (from the 13th century).
Segovia has a rich cultural heritage that is under the UNESCO protection.
This tourist center is placed in the beautiful mountain surroundings. However, there are many other interesting places that the city has to offer, apart from its history. You can see some of the beautiful parks, famous museums, try the typical domestic Castilian cuisine and enjoy the great night life.