Segovia – The Roman City

Overview

The city, Segovia is the capital of the province Segovia and is a part of the autonomous community of Leon and Castile in Spain. Segovia is situated in the Iberian Peninsula. It is located north of Madrid, the capital of Spain and it takes 35 minutes to reach Madrid by train. The population of this municipal city is about 55,500.

The name, Segovia is Celtic. This city was called Segovia and Šiqūbiyyah under the rule of Romans and Moors respectively. The meaning of the Celtic name here is fortress or castle.

History

Initially this town was under Celtic control until Romans took over this city. At the time when this was under the control of Romans, this settlement was under one of the Latin convents. After the Islamic invasion this city was deserted.

Climate

The average temperatures in a year are as follows:

Maximum – 21 °C in the months of July-August
Minimum – 4 °C in December-February

Art and Culture

Aquaduct – built during Roman times 2000 years back and it goes through the town center. All coins minted in Segovia used this symbol for over 400 years.

Alcázar castle – was a military fortress during Roman times and was an inspiration to Walt Disney. This was renovated in the middle ages when it was used as the Royal Palace.

Cathedral – was built in the 16th century.

The historic center – was protected by medieval walls and they still exist.

The Casa de los Picos – has on its façade diamond-shaped studs and Segovian nobles resided in this place in the 15th century.

Church of San Esteban – has a Romanesque bell tower that is the most important type in Europe.

Tower of Hercules – is a medieval watchtower built by noblemen for protecting their palaces.

Cuisine

Segovia has a varied and rich cuisine. Some of the items are – butter beans, bread and garlic soup, roasts of suckling pigs and lamb, game dishes and stews.

Sports and Entertainment

The nightlife in Segovia is not the wildest type; however there are music bars, clubs and late night haunts.

Shopping

You can find many souvenir shops in all parts of the town but most of them are near plaza Mayor. All these shops sell more or less the same items and the prices are not significantly different.

Business

The economy of Segovia depends mainly on agriculture, metallurgy, construction, furniture and tourism. Lots of tourists visit this city from Madrid, thereby contributing to its economy.