Segovia Guide

Segovia palace castle

Nesteled at the base of the Guadarrama mountains, Segovia guide explains how to enjoy the beauty of a UNESCO world heritage site without breaking the bank!

A short trip from Madrid will see you transported back in time to a city steeped in medieval history topped by a castle natives say Walt Disney copied. At least in this case there can be no arguments about which came 1st!

Apart from the Roman Aqueduct, Spectacular mountain scenery, Medieval castle and the worlds oldest functioning mint you are assured of some of Spains finest cooking. The traditional roast suckling pig being the city´s speciality!


Getting There

Train: From Madrids Atocha , Recoletes, Nuevos Ministerios and Chamartin stations the Cercanias depart for Segovia every two hours at the following minutes: 00, 04, 08 and 15 respectively. The 1st train departs Atocha at 0600 and the last at 2200. Due to negotiating the mountains the journey lasts 2 hrs and is a great way to see Spanish mountain life. Last train back from Segovia departs at 2202. €9 return.

Coach: Provided by La Sepulvedana and leaving from their own station in the "Paseo de la Florida 11" (Metro Príncipe Pío) they operate a half hourly service during the week and hourly at weekends. The last bus leaves Madrid at 2230 and the 75 minute journey will cost 11€ return.

By Road: From Madrid take the M-30 or M-40 and follow the signs for A-6 Segovia. Turn onto the highway A6 and continue through the mountain tunnel (you have to pay for this, one direction only, 9€) Leave the A-6 onto the AP-61 signed "San Rafael - Segovia" until you reach Segovia (again this is a toll road of around €6). Total journey time is around 50 minutes. Of course you can always go over one of the mountain passes on the way back to Madrid so saving the tunnel charge!

For more information about travelling on Spanish Trains Buses and Roads check out Getting here and Getting around.

Visit Segovia and Avila in a day trip from Madrid


Segovia Description

Segovia follows Spanish naming tradition and is both the name of the province and the city itself. Hence you will some people referring to it as Segovia, capital. Pre-dating the Romans no one is sure when the settlement was first founded however iron age impliments have been found nearby.

Segovia guide aquaduct

As the Roman empire gained status so did Segovia as one of if the most important settlement in Spain. This is still in evidence today with the aqueduct dominating the (now populated)valley beneath the walled city.

Primarily gaining its financial power from its wool industry in times past today sees tourism playing a major role. Segovia does however remain the center focus of the provinces agricultural efforts. Such wealth meant that the city is home to the worlds oldest functional mint.

During medieval times the city expanded outside its protective walls as it continued to be a central cog in the Spanish economy. This is evidenced by the worlds highest concentration of catholic churches per square km. Built to appease the guilt that such riches bring?


Segovia guide: What to see?

Segovia guide spain recommends the following:

  • Aquaduct: Already mentioned but worthy of a second mention as free standing Roman aqueducts are few and far between. Be sure to walk underneath it to appreciate its true size!
  • El Alcazar: Segovias royal residence from the 13th century onwards and previously a fortress from Roman times having continuously been added to by each generation. Turretted in a conical fashion and with an design that is easy on the eye something straight out of a Snow White movie! Open all year from 1000 until 1800 and at a cost of only €3.50. Guided tours are available for an extra 1€. Segovia guided tours include this castle come palace.
  • La Catedral: As with any good catholic city the church takes precedence. In segovia the cathedral dating from 1525 is built on the highest promenence and dominates the city skyline. Built to replace the previous cathedral once housed in the gardens of El Alcazar after it was destroyed in 1520 during one of the regular battles of the time. Open to visitors from 0900 to 1800 daily at a cost of €1.50 should you wish to enter the associated museum.

Segovia guide books and guided tours are available and are cheaper to purchase on the day in Segovia. This also alieviates being stuck with a Segovia guide book should your travel plans change!


Segovia guide hint


Residents Tip: In the central Plaza Mayor there are a number of restaurants offering Roast suckling pig. These are only slightly more expensive (2-3€ more) than Resaurants outside the centre but the quality is far superior. This is one of the few instances Madrid Guide Spain recomends spending more!



Do not stop at the Segovia guide, explore the other activities within 1hr of Madrid!
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