Things to do in Segovia

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

Alcázar de Segovia

Alcázar de Segovia is a uniquely shaped stone castle in Segovia, surrounded by cliffs on three sides and accessible only by a drawbridge. The castle began as a fortress and was later used as a royal palace, prison, and military academy. Its blue roofs and fairy-tale appearance are said to have inspired Disney's "Snow White castle." From a distance, the castle resembles a cruise ship sailing between the Rios Clamores and Ledesma rivers, with its towering turrets as sails. Climbing the turrets offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Segovia and the surrounding countryside. Today, in addition to the historic sites, the castle houses a dedicated exhibition hall on artillery history, displaying various weapons. The blue roofs are one of the castle's distinctive features, made from a type of schist found in local rivers that produces a metallic sheen under light. It is said that Disney used it as a blueprint to design the castle in the animated film "Snow White," earning it the nickname "Snow White castle."

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

Catedral de Segovia

The Cathedral of Segovia was built in 1525 and took nearly 200 years to complete. It is a Gothic cathedral completed late in Spain and a classic of the late Gothic churches in Spain. Queen Isabella was crowned here in Spanish history. Its tower is 88 meters high. The cathedral's museum is also not to be missed, containing many treasures of religious art.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

Segovia Aqueduct

Segovia Aqueduct is a water diversion project left by the Roman Empire on theIberian Peninsulaand is also the symbol of this city; its stone arch design is even depicted in the coat of arms of Segovia. The entire aqueduct was built by the ancient Romans using granite boulders quarried from the Guadarrama Mountains. No mortar was used between the stones; they are held together solely by the weight of the precisely cut stone surfaces, making it one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in existence. Its water source comes from the Río Frío, located over 10 km away in the Guadarrama Mountains. The spring water flowed into the city by gravity along stone-lined channels, passing through sedimentation facilities to filter out sand and silt along the way. For nearly two thousand years after that, this aqueduct continuously supplied water to the city, remaining in use until the late 20th century. The final section near the old town is the highlight: the arcade turns at Plaza de Díaz Sanz and reaches Plaza del Azoguejo. More than 160 arches are stacked in two tiers, with the highest point reaching nearly 30 m. Standing in the square and looking up, the double-tiered arches resemble a stone bridge spanning the streets. Historically, a section of the arches was destroyed in war and restored to its original appearance in the 15th century. Today, Plaza del Azoguejo is a pedestrian zone where you can walk under the arches and look up to see the seamless joints between the stones. After nightfall, the entire arcade is illuminated, offering a completely different experience from the daytime. Walking along the arcade toward the main street of the old town, you can also conveniently connect to the churches and castles deep within the old town.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Castile and Leon

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor of Segovia is the main square in the center of the old city of Segovia, where various buildings including city hall, theaters, restaurants, etc. are gathered, with all functions. To the east of the square is a Gothic church - Miguel Church. This Roman-inspired church was once the coronation site of the Queen of Lastilia, and its colorful spires stand out. Also nearby are the Segovia City Hall, built in 1610, and the Juan Bravo Theater, built in 1917. There are many characteristic small hotels around this square that is suitable for both static and dynamic. At night, you can sit on the balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows and enjoy the night view while drinking wine. There will also be events or weddings at the market in the square, and you can join the hilarious crowd and music.

No. 2 of Ski Resorts in Spain

Puerto de Navacerrada Ski Resort

Located at an altitude of 1,860 meters in the Guadarrama Mountains, Estacion de Esqui Puerto de Navacerrada is the only ski resort in the Madrid region that can be visited on the same day, and is only 60 kilometers from the city center. The average annual snow cover period here is three to four months, providing unique conditions for skiing. The resort has professional facilities and many well-designed ski slopes, ranging from gentle slopes suitable for beginners to steep slopes for professional skiers. In addition to skiing, tourists can also taste Spanish cuisine in the surrounding restaurants. Estacion de Esqui Puerto de Navacerrada is not only a ski resort, but also a comprehensive tourist destination integrating sports, leisure and food.

Royal Palace of La Granja of San Ildefonso

Located 11 kilometers east of Segovia, the secluded castle of La Granja is a hidden gem. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra de Guadamala, it's a garden palace built by King Philip I in the 18th century.  The historic Alcázar de Gheiro houses the royal palace and magnificent gardens. The castle's exquisite decor, from the overhead lighting to the floorboards, evokes the style of Versailles. A dedicated room displays porcelain from the Qing Dynasty, evoking a sense of history. Photography is prohibited inside the castle, so visitors can only capture this magnificent scenery with their own eyes.

Old City

Segovia Old City is a historic city rich in culture, featuring exquisite architecture and artwork that offer visitors stunning views. Its historic building complexes and cultural heritage leave a deep impression, attracting visitors. Its historical sites includeancient city walls, castles, churches, and more, with the ancient Roman Aqueduct being particularly impressive.

Iglesia de San Martin

The Church of San Martin in Segovia is a 12th-century church built in a Moorish style. The architects placed the Mudejar-style tower top with the Roman-style arches, reflecting a collision of different artistic styles. On the cloister above the street stands a row of stone pillars decorated with different floral ornaments. The 14th-century mezzanine uses red brick to further this mix-and-match style. The Romanesque nave inside the church is in sharp contrast with the Baroque apse. It embodies a blend of simplicity and wealth.

No. 10 of Ski Resorts in Spain

Ski resort Valdesqui

Ski resort Valdesqui is well-located, making it an excellent choice for city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle and connect with nature. It features multiple well-maintained slopes with distinct levels, suitable for skiers of all abilities. In addition to skiing, it offers a variety of winter activities such as sledding and snowshoeing, ensuring everyone can find their own winter fun. The restaurants exude a rich Spanish atmosphere, with offerings like steaming hot chocolate fondue and crispy potato croquettes, adding a touch of warmth and satisfaction to the cold winter days. Whether you are sitting around with family and friends sharing a meal or enjoying a hot drink on your own, it is full of comfort and relaxation. This is a winter wonderland that you won't want to leave. Whether it's the snow-covered mountains or the cozy moments spent by the fire after skiing, you can feel the purity and beauty of winter.

Riofrío Royal Palace