ShoreTrips says...

On every trip we take, certain things stand out. Segovia was one of those and it had a lot of competition, considering we spent a month in Spain.

Segovia is charming and old. This historic city just northwest of Madrid had centuries of settlement which have resulted in a rich architectural legacy, including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace, and a Gothic cathedral. Its iconic ancient Roman aqueduct has more than 160 arches, most in the original mortarless granite, and stands above the central plaza in the heart of the city. And it is breathtaking.

It remains one of the finest examples of Roman engineering still standing. However, it is not the only reason to visit this city, which rises on a triangular rock like an island on the plain. Its sturdy walls surround a complicated maze of monuments and mansions. The old town and the aqueduct are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is well-deserved.

Your time in this medieval city flows easily as you begin to walk through the old cobblestone streets. In some areas you will find only pedestrians and, in others, cars that can barely pass each other without touching. Segovia is symbolic of a complex, historical reality, as its neighborhoods, streets, and houses are laid out in accordance with a social structure in which hierarchy was organized and dominated by belonging to one of the different cultural communities.

There is much to see as you take your walk through the old city. Lovely residential homes line the area and pave the way to the cathedral, built in the reign of Charles V to replace the one destroyed during the revolt in 1521. It is a fine example of the Gothic style in the 16th century when Renaissance architecture was at its height.

Not only is Segovia worth your time, but it will enhance your understanding of the Romans, their architecture, and the sophistication of the world at that time.