Segovia reflects its rich cultural heritage by means of its magnificent monuments, comprising of the Roman aqueduct, dream-like castles, mesmerising cathedrals, grand Romanesque churches, and monasteries. Segovia brims with the history–its different periods and rulers showcased in its features and attractions. In almost every street and every corner, you will find traces of olden days and the remains of the artistic, architectural, and cultural marvels of ancient times. If history fascinates you, then Segovia will enthrall you, too. Apart from popular attractions in Old Town, there are hidden attractions such as artisan boutiques and restaurants found along the bylanes around the main streets. This article lists for you a compilation of both popular and lesser-explored attractions of Segovia, covering the places to be and the things to do in Segovia, Spain.
1. Marvel at the exceptional Museo de Segovia
Museo de Segovia presents the history of Segovia in a modern layout. Do not go by its exterior. Once you enter and begin to explore, you will find it full to the brim with artifacts recalling the history of Segovia chronologically. Most of the display boards have English translations of the details displayed about the artifacts.
Museo de Segovia
Address: C/ Socorro, 11, 40003 Segovia, Spain
Website: Museo de Segovia
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 2pm; Mon - Sat: 10am - 2pm and 4pm - 7pm (closed on Mon)
2. Visit the garden at Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso
The Royal Palace is a beautiful building and the garden is gorgeous. There used to be a water fountain in the garden, which dried up as the result of a forest fire. However, it had been reconstructed since, but it does not always run. The garden is still a sight to catch nonetheless. The inside of the palace sports some eye-catching tapestries. You can spend hours out here with family and loved ones. Do visit the palace shop to take back souvenirs for home.
Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso
Address: Plaza España, 15, 40100 Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, Segovia, Spain
Website: Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
3. Tour the fabulous Alcázar of Segovia
This castle, from which Disney drew inspiration for its towering pointed structures, is an absolute treat to the eyes. The castle approximately has 20 rooms and there is a map to guide you through the rooms. The guide map provides descriptions both in Spanish and English, whereas the audio guide playing in the background provides further information. There are medieval paintings, dungeons with Roman ruins, ancient canons, and arms. The terrace, which is 150 steps up a spiral staircase, overlooks the valley and the city of Segovia.
Alcázar of Segovia
Address: Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia, s/n, 40003 Segovia, Spain
Website: Alcázar of Segovia
Opening hours: 10am - 7:30pm (daily)
Price: From 3 USD
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4. Head to Calle Real de Segovia
Calle Real de Segovia is a historic area with several shops, restaurants, cafés, and the church of St. Martin with its cloisters and old buildings reflecting an architectural marvel. It is a cute, cosy square located amidst old streets and is recognised as the main shopping street of the city, hence it is always teeming with people and very vibrant. It is a great place to take a stroll and buy souvenirs to take home for friends and family.
5. Appreciate the beautiful architecture of Aqueduct of Segovia
The aqueduct is a magnificent Roman structure and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Segovia. Unlike Alcázar of Segovia, you do not need to pay extra to climb to the top of Aqueduct to enjoy a view of the surrounding region. This majestic historical building has been well-preserved and runs effectively in moving water without mortar between the stones. It has stood the test of time for centuries. Take a tour in the evening if you want to catch a sight of the lit-up bridge.
Aqueduct of Segovia
Address: Plaza del Azoguejo, 1, 40001 Segovia, Spain
Website: Aqueduct of Segovia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Wander around Plaza Medina del Campo
On the way to Alcazar, you will come across Plaza Medina del Campo. On one side is the Church of San Martin and on the other side are pretty hotels and shops. There is also a nice statue of Juan Bravo. This is a good place for a quick visit. You will find several photographers here with the old wood-framed cameras willing to take a shot of you and your loved ones against the background of the historical plaza.
7. Browse through artworks at Museum of Contemporary Art Esteban Vicente
A striking feature of the Museum of Contemporary Art Esteban Vicente is that it is a modern building with an archaic exterior. There is a pretty garden and a wonderful auditorium that you must take a look at when visiting. The exhibits represent abstract artwork. If you enjoy abstract art, then you are going to enjoy it here. The sculptures and the paintings are very vibrant and colourful, giving off happy vibes.
Museum of Contemporary Art Esteban Vicente
Address: Plaza Bellas Artes, 0, 40001 Segovia, Spain
Website: Museum of Contemporary Art Esteban Vicente
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 11am to 3pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3 USD (Free entry on Thu)
8. Dance it out at Canavans-Theatre Segovia
Canavans Theatre is an extravagant and over-the-top disco, with sculpted and painted decoration on the walls, heavy chandeliers, flocked wallpaper, and the whole appeal of a theatre. It is a hot and happening place to be if you are looking for some fun and are fond of clubbing and meeting people in such places. People from all walks of life come here to enjoy the nightlife. Dance your heart out, drink some amazing cocktails, and party hard at Canavans.
Canavans-Theatre Segovia
Address: Plaza la Rubia, 2, 40001 Segovia, Spain
Website: Canavans-Theatre Segovia
9. Visit Centro Didáctico de la Judería and walk around Judería
Juderia marks the Jewish quarter where there was a settlement of the Jewish population in Segovia. The Jewish quarter will allow you to delve into the past of the Jewish inhabitants–the streets, the houses, their lives, and their children. Centro Didáctico de la Judería is a museum and education centre resonating with the culture of Jews. Representative of Jewish culture and architecture, the lanes of Judería are a must-visit for tourists travelling to Segovia interested to know the history of the nation and its people.
Centro Didáctico de la Judería
Address: Calle la Judería Vieja, 12, 40003 Segovia, Spain
Website: Centro Didáctico de la Judería
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 2pm; Wed, Fri: 10am - 2pm, 3pm - 6pm; Thu, Sat: 10am - 1pm, 3pm - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 1pm
10. Be awed by the marvelous Segovia Cathedral
The bonus you’ll get when visiting Segovia Cathedral is a museum in the basement with restored paintings. You must set aside half a day to fully explore the cathedral and the museum inside. The cathedral exhibits beautiful architectural details. It is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the night, as though out of a fairytale when it is lit up. The view of the beautiful medieval city from the top is something you should not miss when here. Tickets to visit this place are pretty cheap and it is a great place to explore with family.
Segovia Cathedral
Address: Calle Marqués del Arco, 1, 40001 Segovia, Spain
Website: Segovia Cathedral
Opening hours: 9am - 9:30pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
11. Admire the 10th-century Iglesia de San Millán
The Church of San Millán de Segovia is located in the south-western region of the city. Rich sculptural motifs embrace the church of Iglesia de San Millán. The arcade galleries, the tower, the plants, and the interiors, among other things, are marvels to see. It is definitely worth half a day’s tour. You will be amazed at the intricacies of architecture and design that has stood the test of time. Even though it looks a little worn out from outside, it is a stunner when you begin to explore it bit by bit.
Iglesia de San Millán
Address: Av. Acueducto, s/n, 40002 Segovia, Spain
Website: Iglesia de San Millán
12. Check out the Walls of Segovia
Take a guided tour to the 3.5-km (2.17 mi) long Walls of Segovia and enjoy an informative visit to this historical attraction in town. The city walls are an essential part of the history of Segovia. The walls were built during medieval times to protect the city from the Moors. The walls had declined because of disuse but were successfully restored. The walls became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1985.
Walls of Segovia
Address: Plaza Socorro, 2-3, 40003 Segovia, Spain
13. Dine at Restaurante José María
Restaurante José María is an iconic restaurant in Segovia. It is iconic because it is known that the owner had spent years training his suppliers to provide ingredients of a set standard. The owner possesses a vineyard and wines produced of a phenomenal quality at the vineyard are served here. Along with the use of top-notch ingredients, the delivery of delicious food makes this restaurant so special and equally popular among people frequenting it.
Restaurante José María
Address: Calle Cronista Lecea, 11, 40001 Segovia, Spain
Website: Restaurante José María
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9:45pm - 12:30am; Fri - Sat: 9:45am - 1:30am
14. Get a panoramic view of the city from Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos
If you are interested in different cultures and want to explore the history of Segovia, then this is the place to visit. Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos has displays of a lot of armory and several other medieval artifacts which are still in great shape. The castle holds a variety of exhibits worth your time and patience, especially if you are a lover of history. The views from Alcazar from Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos is also pretty good.
Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos
Address: Calle de San Marcos, 19, 40003 Segovia, Spain
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Head to the 13th-century Iglesia de la Vera Cruz
This is a unique twelve-sided church, which once comprised a piece of Vera Cruz or True Cross. There is a two-storey chamber in the circular nave where the rites of the king took place. The church is unlike other churches in appearance and is beautiful in an unconventional way. It offers great views of the castle. But if you want to visit, plan it ahead because it only stays open for a fixed number of hours.
Iglesia de la Vera Cruz
Address: Ctra. de Zamarramala, 40003 Segovia, Spain
Website: Iglesia de la Vera Cruz
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10:30am - 1:30pm, 4pm - 6pm; Tue: 4pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
16. See the remarkable Casa de los Picos
The building is so stunning that it resembles a fortress. It has extensions of diamond pin-point blocks (as its name implies) made of granite. The architecture is pretty interesting. The house was first owned by Pedro Lopez de Ayala, the Count of Fuensalida. Now it stands as a museum and an exhibition centre and is a part of the School of Applied Arts and Crafts. Just hop inside for a few minutes and you might find an exhibition taking place, where you can admire displays.
Casa de los Picos
Address: Calle Juan Bravo, 33, 40001 Segovia, Spain
Website: Casa de los Picos
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 3:15pm, 4pm - 9:45pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
17. Learn about the minting of money at Real Casa de la Moneda
This is a really interesting place which will let you in on the history of minting money. A very helpful audio guide narrates the history covering the way money was minted over the ages. You will also find exhibits of the history of the emergence and progressive development of money quite interesting. It can be a short side tour which will be very informative and entertaining.
Real Casa de la Moneda
Address: Calle de Jorge Juan, 106, 28009 Madrid, Spain
Website: Real Casa de la Moneda
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 2pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 8pm
Price: 4 USD
Explore fairy-tale land of Segovia
From seeing ancient churches and beautiful castles to delightful dining and shopping spots, enjoy all kinds of amazing activities in the historical city of Segovia. It boasts historical treasures amidst modern structures. The city looks as though it was taken straight out of a fairy tale. Experience the land of the castles along with your children–let them see the fairy tale lands from their stories do exist.
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