Segovia in Pictures

The four of us at Alcazar



To celebrate Mother's Day in Spain (Dia de la Madre), our family decided to take our first trip outside of Madrid.  We travelled 90 km to the town of Segovia.  A trip to Segovia is like taking a trip back in time to the old world.  The original section of town features a Roman Aqueduct, a 15th century cathedral, and the 1862 reconstruction of the 12th century castle of Alcazar.  Unlike some of my previous posts, I'm going to keep my words to a minimum.  The pictures of this beautiful old town tell enough of the story.

View of the Cathedral from Alcazar

View of Segovia

Benjamin in the Plaza de San Martin

Iglesia de San Martin (Church of Saint Martin) 13th century

Labor march near the Aqueduct



The Roman Aqueduct

Constructed in 50 A.D. the Roman Aqueduct was used to bring water from 18 kilometers away.  Built with no mortar, it remained in use through the 19th century. 

Segovia's Roman Aqueduct viewed from the city's 11th century wall.

Standing 28 meters high, the aqueduct is constructed of 20,000 granite blocks.

Kelly and I in front of the Aqueduct.



In 1474, Isabel was crowned queen of Castille in La Iglesia de San Miguel (Church of Saint Miguel).  Most Americans recognize her as the Queen who financed Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World in 1492. 

Exterior of the Church of San Miguel

Plaque commemorating the coronation of Queen Isabel of Castille. 

Interior of the Church of San Miguel

After the destruction of the original Cathedral of Segovia in 1521, work began on a new gothic cathedral.  Fifty years later work was completed on the new Cathedral of Segovia.  This imposing structure dominates the western corner of Segovia's Plaza Mayor.

View of the Cathedral of Segovia taken from Plaza Mayor.

Entrance to the Cathedral of Segovia

Located on the fortified western edge of Segovia, Alcazar rises dramatically from the landscape.  Originally constructed in the 12th century, it was used as a royal residence for the Austrian monarchs.  Much of the original castle was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1862.  Today the castle has been fully restored and reconstructed.  Walt Disney is said to have modeled Sleeping Beauty's Castle in California after Alcazar.

Alcazar

Spanish flag flying over Alcazar

Tower at Alcazar

Benjamin at Alcazar