Segovia Spain, Fall 2012

Back when Celts dominated Spain, Segovia was a settlement. The Romans took over the village and in the end of the first century built an amazing aqueduct. The aqueduct stretches 818 meters, and is built with 25,000 granite blocks and not a speck of mortar. Later the Arabs ruled Spain, and it is thought that everyone abandoned Segovia. After Alfonso VI took Toledo back from the Arabs, Christians began to resettle in Segovia. The height of prominence for Segovia came during the Middle Ages. Segovia’s importance was related to wool, textiles and its location on the trade route. After this time period, it began a long decline, but has stabilized and remains important mainly for tourism, agriculture and education.

The Castle Alcazar seems to hang off the edge of a ledge over the river valley below. Recent digging on the grounds reveals stones dating back to Celtic and Roman times. Historical documentation places a fortress on the current location in 1122. This fortress became a favorite residence of the Kings of Castile. In the 16th century Alcazar served as a prison for the next 200 years until becoming the Royal School of Artillery in 1764. A fire devastated the structure, but it was rebuilt to what we see today. Currently Alcazar is a museum for the military and has examples of weaponry dating back to the time of knights in shining armor. The romantic setting and look of Alcazar is thought to have been one of the castles inspiring Walt Disney in creating Cinderella’s castle.

Another dominating presence in Segovia is the Cathedral. The Cathedral of Segovia was the last major gothic building built in Spain. It is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance Gothic Architecture. The structure was started in 1525 and completed in 1768. To best appreciate how the Cathedral’s vastness and how it dominates the town go to the Alcazar and look back. From that view, you can also see the town walls and appreciate Segovia’s isolation against the landscape.

From Toulouse France, you can get an EasyJet flight to Madrid Spain for less than it costs you to drive there, and probably less than you would spend on dinner out. So it makes sense to skip driving, give up the dinner out and go to Madrid. From Madrid, a metro ride takes you to the train station and a high speed train gets you to Segovia in 30 minutes. Segovia is worth a day trip.