The 16 things to do in Ségovie

Under the sun and warmth of Spain, stop in Castile and León to visit the must-sees of Ségovie.

Ranked at UNESCO World Heritage, Ségovie is a city to discover. Located at 1000 meters above sea level, the city is ideally located only an hour from the Spanish capital. If you are on the side Madrid , do not hesitate to make a detour to visit Ségovie.

During your getaway, you can discover the richness of its heritage, but also the beauty of the Sierra de Guadarrama, which is just a step away. So if you have a holiday in the Madrid region, follow our guide to the must-sees to be made in Ségovie.

1. The aqueduct

Impossible to visit Ségovie without passing through its aqueduct. The city’s emblem will impress you by its size. Located on Plaza del Azoguejo, the monument is a perfectly preserved Roman vestige.

To admire the aqueduct, you have a multitude of views: from the front, from the steps of the Postigo or from the ramparts. Wherever you are, your photos will look like real postcards.

2. The Alcazar of Ségovie

To continue your visit to Ségovie, go to Alcazar. This fortified castle is as impressive outside as it is inside. Overlooking the city and its rivers, the fortress offers a breathtaking view of Segovia.

To enter the castle, head to the Torre de Juan II. A spiral staircase of 156 steps awaits you. Don’t be discouraged, the show is really worth the effort. And especially remember your camera to capture the 360-degree panorama on the city and its surroundings.

3. The Cathedral of Ségovie

Architectural enthusiasts will not be able to visit Ségovie without a tour in the cathedral. Also called the Lady of Cathedrals, the building, built in the 16th century, is a mix of styles thanks to these Romanesque, Gothic and Nordic influences. In the form of a cross, the cathedral includes a nave with three ships and a bell tower decorated with a cupola.

4. La plaza Mayor

Like many Spanish cities, Ségovie has its Plaza Mayor. With its view in the centre, the square is full of charm. All around, small shops are waiting for you to remember.

If you are lucky to visit Ségovie on Thursday, don’t miss the opportunity to go to the market. In addition to a typical Spanish atmosphere, you will find many local products.

5. A walk along the ramparts

Segovia is one of the best-preserved historical cities in Spain, for your greatest happiness. During the Middle Ages, the city has a rempart at a time to protect itself, but also to tax citizens from the outside through a form of toll rights.

Today, these ramparts are always present and are the opportunity to enjoy a very beautiful walk. A little far from the historic centre, you will see few tourists on the way.

6. La casa de los picos

Typical of the region, the casa de los picos is a must to visit in Ségovie. The monument was built at the end of the 15th century by the Regidor Dom Juan de la Hoz. The casa de los picos is known for its singular facade, since it is decorated with 617 granite peaks.

Over the centuries, this house has belonged to public and private owners, and it has only been since the 1970s that it hosts the school of applied arts.

7. A walk in the old town by bike

The charm of Ségovie is particularly visible in its historic centre. If you want to discover the little corners and browse all the streets of the city, don’t hesitate to rent a bike for the time to do everything.

In addition to the must-sees of Ségovie, such as the Plaza Mayor or the aqueduct, you can discover the hidden corners of the old town like the Mansilla Palace, the Arias Dávila Torreón or the San Martin plaza.

8. San Martin Church

This 12th century church has one of the most beautiful atriums in the city with its arches in the centre and its capital columns. All the details of this building were thought to make it a true architectural treasure; from the portal decorated with plant motifs to the nave at three towers.

9. Casa de los del Rio

It is a palace dating from the 16th century characterized by its patio and twisted Renaissance columns. On the side, you can see an epoch where the occupants used to cook and wash.

In the middle, it is an impressive tree that takes place. Known as the tree of heaven, the latter has lived for over 85 years.

10. Corpus Christi

Visiting Segovia is plunging into history and exploring a multitude of cultures. As such, do not miss Corpus Christi Church.

Today dedicated to Catholic worship, the church was, until 1410, devoted to Jewish religion. Confiscated to the Jewish people at that time, the entrance to the building presents a picture reminiscent of the event that caused this confiscation. This table is called the “miracle of the Eucharist”.

11. Pinarello Park

Pinarello Park is the Jewish cemetery where there are today several open-air tombs or caves. In addition to recounting the history of the Jewish people in Spain, the Pinarello offers an impressive panorama of the valley. Many paintings take this particular park for the background.

12. The Convent of San Antonio el Real

On the way up the avenue from the aqueduct, a place welcomes the convent of San Antonio el Real. Built during the reign of Henry IV, this building served as a palace for the king of Castile, then as a convent for the Franciscan brothers. Today, it is a museum with many paintings.

In addition to the works of art inside, the building is decorated in a Gothic-Elastic style of the ceiling floor.

13. The casa of the moneda

Come visit Ségovie and discover the casa of the moneda. Considered one of the oldest and most authentic examples of industrial heritage, this house is the first to have served in the manufacture of the mechanized and serial currency. In Spain, this building is the precursor of the modern factories of the industrial revolution.

14. A hot air balloon ride

What to do in Ségovie to discover the city otherwise? A tour in Montgolfière allows you to contemplate the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the unmissable monuments.

Before you start the flight, you are witnessing the balloon inflation. Once the balloon is ready, you only have to fly for an unforgettable experience.

15. Around Ségovie

A hike in the Sierra de Guadarrama

Ségovie is ideally located in the Sierra de Guadarrama. During your visit to Ségovie, don’t forget your walking shoes to admire the surrounding mountain, lakes and rivers.

El Escorial

Small village next to Ségovie, El Escorial will also surprise you with the richness of its history. During your visit, don't miss his impressive monastery.

Avila

Just like Ségovie, Avilla will charm you thanks to its centre dating from the Middle East, its church of San Pedro or the puerta del Alcazar.

16. Culinary specialties

Impossible to visit Ségovie without tasting a cochinillo asado. This is the culinary specialty of the city. Generally, it is a roast pork served in its entirety. This is the ideal dish if you want to share your meal with some friends. Almost all restaurants in the city offer this cochinillo asado.

How to go to Segovia

To visit Ségovie, you have several possibilities:

By car

From France , it is possible to get to Ségovie by car to discover the city and its surroundings. If you've been leaving since the capital , you will put more than half a day to arrive at destination. Idem since Lyon or Marseille .

By plane

The nearest airport is Madrid, where you can take the bus or train from the Spanish capital. If you would like to benefit from advantageous prices, do not hesitate to check flights Skyscanner .

By train

The Ségovie train station is located mainly on trains from Madrid. To travel the last kilometers, you'll have to rent a car .

Where to sleep in Ségovie?

If you want to stay in Ségovie, you have several possibilities. Luxury hotels, hostels or apartments, they are all available on a hotel comparison at interesting rates.

Depending on your preferences, you can stay in the historic centre to enjoy the city’s animation, in a chalet in Nevada or even in Madrid that is only an hour away.

So now prepare your suitcases to go to meet Ségovie!