The Roman aqueduct offers a striking introduction to Segovia: it is 813 metres long and reaches 28.5 metres above the ground at the lowest point of the valley. Together with the Old Town, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. If you are planning a cultural trip, this means looking beyond a single landmark to the city’s layout, historic collections and sightseeing options as well.

Old Town, Rivers and Alcázar

The Old Town sits on a rocky outcrop bounded by the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers. The Royal Alcázar also stands on an outcrop between these two rivers. The riverside setting can therefore be viewed from two different places: as the boundary of the Old Town and as the site of the Alcázar. If you want to understand the city’s history and landscape together, these geographical features provide a tangible framework.

Medieval City History

In medieval Segovia, Moors, Christians and Jews lived alongside one another for a long time. One place connected with Jewish history is the former Main Synagogue: in the Middle Ages, it was the religious centre of Segovia’s Jewish community and was converted into a church in the early 15th century. The Jewish Quarter Visitor Centre includes a permanent exhibition about Andrés Laguna. For a guided exploration of the neighbourhood, Turismo de Segovia lists the experience “Guided Tour of the Jewish Quarter with Tasting” (“Visita Guiada por el Barrio Judío con Degustación”).

The History of Coins and the Aqueduct

The Royal Mint was built in 1583 by King Philip II and was Spain’s first mechanised mint. At the museum, you can use an audio guide or join a guided tour. Tours are offered daily; groups must book in advance, and individual visitors are also catered for. The complex also houses a modern, interactive and multimedia Aqueduct Interpretation Centre. Here, two distinct chapters in engineering history meet: the Roman aqueduct and the 16th-century mint.

Towers, City Walls and Guided Tours

At the Alcázar, visitors can climb a steep spiral staircase to the top of the tower and enjoy views across the city. Guided tours of Segovia Cathedral’s tower have been offered since it opened to the public on 3 October 2014. The city wall is also a subject of guided tours: Turismo de Segovia offers a tour along the wall. A guided tour of the aqueduct is available too, with tickets for purchase. These tours focus on different things, from architecture and city views to the history of the fortifications. Before your visit, check the latest information on times, access details and tour availability.

Literature, Marionettes and a Baking Tradition

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 Marionette Collection is housed in the historic Puerta de Santiago in the city wall and includes 38 marionettes created by Francisco Peralta. In 1122, the Santiago Gate was known as the Puerta de Rodrigo Ordoñez. For a different cultural perspective, visit Pastelería Acueducto: there, you can explore the baking workshop and watch Miguel Sanz demonstrate how a special sweet from Segovia’s baking tradition is made.

Discover more destinations: Madrona, Navas De Oro, Collado Hermoso, Bernuy De Coca, Sebúlcor, Cuéllar, Arcones, Fuentemilanos.

For the main travel overview: Segovia.