Segovia: Aqueduct, Old Town and Heritage

Segovia’s Old Town sits on a rocky outcrop bordered by the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers. Among the city’s most distinctive landmarks is the Roman aqueduct: it is 813 metres long and stands 28.5 metres above the ground at the valley’s lowest point. Segovia’s Old Town and its aqueduct were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Old Town and History

The Royal Alcázar also stands on an outcrop between the Eresma and Clamores rivers. The locations of the Old Town and the Alcázar can thus each be linked to the rivers, without the two landmarks occupying the same site. Those interested in medieval history will also encounter Segovia’s long history of different communities living side by side: Moors, Christians and Jews lived there together for many years.

The former Main Synagogue was the religious centre of Segovia’s Jewish community in the Middle Ages. It was converted into a church in the early 15th century. The Jewish Quarter Visitor Centre has a permanent exhibition about Andrés Laguna. The Poor Clares are responsible for opening the Corpus Christi Convent to the public.

Royal Mint and Aqueduct

Another way to explore Segovia’s history is through the Royal Mint. King Philip II had it built in 1583; it was Spain’s first mechanised mint. The complex also houses a modern, interactive and multimedia Aqueduct Interpretation Centre. The history of minting and the story of the aqueduct thus come together in one place.

You can visit the Royal Mint Museum with an audio guide or as part of a guided tour. Tours take place daily. Groups must book in advance; individual visitors can also join tours. Check current visiting hours before your trip.

Towers and Views

At the Alcázar, a steep spiral staircase leads to the top of the tower, where visitors can enjoy views across the city. The Cathedral tower also offers guided tours: it opened to the public on 3 October 2014, and tours have been available ever since. For both towers, it is advisable to check the latest access details before your visit.

Literature, Puppets and the City Wall

Casa Museo Antonio Machado is the boarding house in Segovia where the poet lived for thirteen years, from 1919 to 1932, while working as a teacher. The Francisco Peralta Puppet Collection is housed in the historic Puerta de Santiago, a gate in the city wall. It comprises a total of 38 puppets created by Francisco Peralta. In 1122, Santiago Gate was known as Puerta de Rodrigo Ordoñez.

Turismo de Segovia offers a guided tour along the city wall. There is also the experience “Guided Tour of the Jewish Quarter with Tasting”. The guided tour and tasting offer a different focus from the historical exhibitions and landmarks. You can check dates and availability for this experience before your trip.

More Experiences

A guided tour of the aqueduct is available, and tickets can be purchased; check availability in advance. At Pastelería Acueducto, visitors can explore the baking workshop and watch a demonstration by Miguel Sanz to learn how a special sweet treat from Segovia’s baking tradition is made. For this experience, too, it is advisable to check availability before your visit.

Visits to Segovia can thus be tailored to different interests, from architecture and urban history to museum tours, literature, puppets and a glimpse into the baking tradition.

Discover more destinations: Madrona, Mudrián, Collado Hermoso, Trescasas, Carbonero El Mayor, Prádena, Santa Marta Del Cerro, Sauquillo de Cabezas

Back to the main travel overview: Segovia.