Segovia: A Historic Gem of Spain

I love seeing the incredible monuments of ancient Rome and the Segovia Aqueduct was on my list for a very long time. The famous aqueduct was my reason for coming, but there’s so much more to see in this UNESCO World Heritage city! But first, about that fabulous Aqueduct.

Aqueduct of Segovia

Built in the first century AD under emperor Trajan, the aqueduct supplied drinking water from springs in the mountains to Segovia some 17 kilometers/11 miles away. Water flowed to the town for almost 2,000 years, and was still in use in 1973! Some say parts of it are STILL in use. I wouldn’t be surprised at that at all, Roman engineering is simply amazing.

How the Aqueduct Was Really Built…

It’s thrilling to see this massive and beautiful construction, one of the best-preserved Roman aqueduct bridges and a symbol of Segovia. I spent some time walking along it both directions, but it wasn’t until the end of the day after walking the walls when I came cross the Segovia Selfie Devil.

Why a selfie taking devil you ask? There’s a local legend that the aqueduct wasn’t built by the Romans, but instead by the devil himself. The tale goes like this…

Once upon a time a young girl had to walk every day all the way from town to the spring many kilometers away to get water. It was a hard task with lots of slopes and steep streets. Tired of carrying her flagon throughout the steep streets, one day she screamed into the void that she would sell her soul to the Devil in order to have water right by her house. Oh, the devil took that opportunity and soon appeared. The deal was that he would build the aqueduct for her soul as long as he built it in a single night – it had to be complete by the next morning. While the devil and the demons were busily working, the girl knew she’d made a mistake and prayed. Lo and behold her prayers were answered and the next day sunrise came earlier than it should. The devil wasn’t finished by just one stone, the girl was saved…and Segovia got its aqueduct.

Historic Segovia

Cathedral of Segovia

There’s so much to see in Segovia and with just a day trip from Madrid to see it in, I finished getting lost along some winding medieval streets, past historic fountains and churches, and dropped in to see the Cathedral, the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain.

Segovia cathedral choir — Segovia Cathedral

The cathedral is massive with a huge choir and organ and many chapels, even an art gallery downstairs. Unfortunately the tower was closed so my visit wasn’t long.

Alcázar of Segovia

The impressive medieval Alcázar was both a fortress and a royal palace, and a fascinating place to visit with the audioguide. The Roman Aqueduct that brought water to all the palaces and fountains in Segovia ran underground and of course also supplied water to the Fortress/Palace. It ends just outside the Alcázar. You can follow pavement markers from Postigo del Consuelo to trace the route of the aqueduct through the city.

The view of the massive gothic Cathedral and historic city is fantastic from the top of the Alcazar.

Segovia alcazar inner wall decoration — Segovia Alcazar

Segovia Walls

Every hilltop medieval city had protective walls, gates and towers, and Segovia originally had 8 towers, 5 gates and several doors, just down to 3 gates today.

Although the walk along the walls at the Puerta de San Andres was closed, I was able to walk many sections on my own, all around medieval Segovia.

Day Trip From Madrid

The high speed train to Segovia from Madrid is out of the Chamartin station, the major train hub north of Madrid and easy to get to on the metro.

Tips for the Train

Use Spain’s state owned railway company Renfe
Create a Renfe account
Book a ticket for both directions, the train may be sold out if you wait to book a return ticket when in Segovia.
Make sure to select “Seating Preferences” in order to select your own carriage and seat rather than have it selected for you.
Use PayPal to pay for the ticket without any issues instead of trying to pay by credit card.

Madrid Chamartin Train Station — Chamartin metro escalator

The train takes about a half hour from Madrid Chamartin to Segovia Guiomar station. In Segovia instead of waiting for a bus to go from the station to the aqueduct I simply took a taxi for under $10 USD.

Segovia Day Trip

An overnight in Segovia would be ideal to explore more of the medieval charm, history, and architecture of this beautiful city, but a day trip was a perfect way to see the highlights and that amazing Roman aqueduct. A bucket list come true.