Segovia

Climbing up a rocky outcrop, Segovia was a wealthy and powerful medieval city, where Isabella I was proclaimed Queen of Castille in 1474. Its legacy lingers in its impressive monuments and atmospheric old quarters, lined with a bevy of Romanesque churches and handsome mansions. Two outstanding sights make it a popular excursion from Madrid. The Roman aqueduct soars 92 feet (28 m) above Plaza de Azoguejo, its double tier of 166 granite arches held together without mortar. The Alcázar fortress dates back to the 13th century, but its fairytale facade of turrets and towers was rebuilt after fire devastated the original structure in 1862. The ...

Climbing up a rocky outcrop, Segovia was a wealthy and powerful medieval city, where Isabella I was proclaimed Queen of Castille in 1474. Its legacy lingers in its impressive monuments and atmospheric old quarters, lined with a bevy of Romanesque churches and handsome mansions. Two outstanding sights make it a popular excursion from Madrid. The Roman aqueduct soars 92 feet (28 m) above Plaza de Azoguejo, its double tier of 166 granite arches held together without mortar. The Alcázar fortress dates back to the 13th century, but its fairytale facade of turrets and towers was rebuilt after fire devastated the original structure in 1862. The massive cathedral, the last such Gothic edifice erected in Spain, also sports its share of decorative spires. Segovia's other ancient churches are well worth a visit, particularly the 12-sided Vera Cruz, built by the Knights Templar, and the Monasterio de San Antonio el Real on the outskirts of town. Along with the provincial Museum of Segovia, there is a handful of museums devoted to art, ceramics, poets and even witchcraft.

About the Expert

Donna Dailey is the author of Thomas Cook’s Ireland driving guide, coauthor of DK’s Back Roads Ireland and several other titles, as well as the author of Thomas Cook’s HotSpots Costa Blanca and a contributor to AA Publishing’s Key Guide Spain.