Things to See and Do in Segovia

Segovia's most famous symbol is undoubtedly ‘El Acueducto’ (the Roman Aqueduct), built in the 1st centrury AD. Its 163 arches reach a height of 28m and stretch 894m in length.

This marvel of engineering was hewn from great slabs of granite from the Guadarrama mountains. It is astonishing to think that there is no cement holding the structure together.

The aqueduct was originally part of a complex system of aqueducts and underground canals that brought water from the mountains more than 15km away.

For a different perspective, climb the stairs next to the aqueduct that begin behind the tourist office.

The epitome of a fairy-tale castle, Segovia´s Alcazar (from the Arabic Arabic al-qasr, meaning fortress) is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

The site has been fortified since Roman times – hardly surprising given its natural vantage point over the surrounding plains - and was subsequently rebuilt by Moors and Christians in medieval times but the current version isn’t actually all that old, having been rebuilt after a terrible fire in 1862 – none of which detracts from the experience.

Inside don’t miss the Sala de las Piñas, with its myriad pineapple-shaped 'stalactites', and the Sala de Reyes, dedicated to the kings who fought the Reconquista, which features an interesting 3-D frieze.

The views from the summit of the Torre de Juan II will take your breath away!

Segovia's 16th century Gothic cathedral, with its 3-nave structure and numerous chapels, took almost 200 years to complete.

For magnificent views of the city the guided tours take you up the tower as well as giving you an in-depth histoty of the cathedral (the guided visit takes about an hour).

Dating from the 13th century and based on Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this 12-sided church was built by the Knights Templar and is one of the best examples of its kind in Europe and once housed a piece of the Holy Cross (Vera Cruz).

Once home to five synagogues, of which little remains, Segovia’s Juderia (Jewish Quarter) is nonetheless one of the most important in Spain, and a stroll around its rabbit’s warren of winding lanes is still very evocative.

This interpretation centre and museum, housed in the former 15th-century home of Abraham Seneor, one of the community's most important members, provides a fascinating history of the Sephardic Jewish community in Segovia (walking tours are available but do take a long time).

Next door to the centre, the Iglesia de Corpus Cristi occupies the site of what was once Segovia's main synagogue.

At the front of the Cathedral, the ample Plaza Mayor is the social hub of old Segovia, with arcades, bars and cafés on three sides and with an open pavilion in its centre.

Here you will also find the regional tourist office. For something smaller, perhaps more charming and very photogenic, head for Plaza San Martín, set between the wonderful Romanesque church of the same name and the Torreón de Lozoya, an imposing 14th-century tower which now hosts exhibitions.

If you’re of a literary bent, you won’t want to miss the Antonio Machado House-Museum. Set in the hostel where the poet stayed during his time as a teacher in Segovia, it is filled with mementos of the poet, including much of his furniture and other decorative and pictorial elements from his life.

Pedraza is a beautifully preserved medieval village in Spain that seems to have stepped straight out of history.

Its cobbled streets and traditional stone houses give it a timeless charm, while the main square – a favourite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike – is truly the heart of the village.

Overlooking the square is the impressive Pedraza Castle, a striking landmark that has featured in numerous films and television series, adding a touch of cinematic fame to the village’s historic allure.

Wandering through Pedraza, you’ll feel as if you’ve travelled back in time, with every corner offering a picture-perfect view and a glimpse into Spain’s rich medieval past.

Sepúlveda is another beautifully preserved medieval village, set in a truly spectacular location overlooking the River Duratón.

Perched on a hillside, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding cliffs and the distant peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Its narrow streets, Romanesque churches and traditional stone houses give the village a timeless feel, while the dramatic landscape around it makes every viewpoint unforgettable.

Sepúlveda is also the gateway to the Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park, famous for its deep gorges and soaring griffon vultures.

If you have the time – and the energy – it’s well worth venturing into the Hoces del Duratón Natural Park. This spectacular landscape of deep limestone gorges carved by the River Duratón is one of the region’s true natural treasures. Towering cliffs, peaceful river bends and soaring griffon vultures create a breathtaking setting that feels wonderfully remote.

Whether you choose to walk along the clifftop paths or follow the river at the bottom of the gorge, the scenery is unforgettable. And if you fancy cooling off, you can even take a dip in the clear, calm waters of the Duratón. For route suggestions, conditions and the best viewpoints, just pop into the tourist office in Sepúlveda-they’re very helpful and will point you in the right direction.

La Granja de San Ildefonso is an immense royal palace and country estate built by King Philip V in the 1720s, inspired by the grandeur of Versailles. Surrounded by ornate, carefully designed gardens, the palace is famous for its elegant fountains, sweeping avenues and peaceful woodland paths, making it a favourite spot for leisurely walks.

Just outside the palace gates lies a small, charming village with a handful of bars, cafés and places to eat, all of which serve the steady flow of visitors exploring the estate.

The village also has a Parador, offering a comfortable base for those who want to soak up the area’s royal history and stunning mountain setting. La Granja is a wonderfully atmospheric place where courtly elegance and everyday village life blend seamlessly.