The aqueduct of Segovia is an engineering feat of the Roman Empire, built about 50 A.D. Exploring its impressive architecture is one of many fascinating things to do in Segovia.
The famous aqueduct is 28 meters tall and stretches 16,220 meters. It is held together solely by natural forces, with the unmortared granite bricks held in place by gravity. A symbol of Segovia, it features prominently on the city’s crest.
Local folklore nicknamed the aqueduct Puente de Diablo, meaning “Devil’s Bridge”. According to legend, the devil built the bridge overnight in a bet to win a serving girl’s soul. The tale says that the devil lost the gamble because he was one brick short of completing the aqueduct when the rooster crowed, signalling morning. The marks from the devil’s fingers appear as holes dotting the surface of the granite blocks.
Things to do in Segovia Spain
Aqueduct of Segovia
We had known the size before we arrived, but nothing quite prepared us for standing in awe at the base of this massive structure.
Looking at the detail, one can see that there is no mortar holding the stones together.
Preparation for an evening festival was going on when we were there.
We climbed the steps seen in the previous photo to get a better look at the upper portion of the aqueduct of Segovia.
The shadows cast an unusual pattern.
Segovia Cathedral
Segovia is also known for its cathedral that is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful examples of late Gothic architecture.
Of all of the magnificent medieval cathedrals we have seen in Spain, architecturally, the Segovia Cathedral is my favourite.
Another view of the Segovia Cathedral.
Alcazar (Castle) of Segovia
This castle wasn’t a “fairytale” in medieval days. Apparently, it burned to the ground in the 16th century and was rebuilt in the 19th century to look like the fantasy. With limited time, we opted not to tour it, but just to walk the grounds and enjoy a coffee in the Alcazar’s cafe.
Castle of Segovia. One of the many things to do in Segovia Spain.
Another view of the castle.
Jewish Quarter of Segovia
Jews first arrived in Segovia in the 13th century and lived in the district now called the Jewish Quarter. The self-governing community thrived until the Inquisition, after which only those Jews who converted to Catholicism were allowed to remain.
The entrance to the old main Jewish Temple of Segovia. Today, it is a church.
Other Segovia Attractions
Segovia is a town with a sense of humour; remember to look up.
The city gate leads to old Segovia, the walled portion of the city (which includes all the images on this page), now a UNESCO site.
View of the city wall.
A sundial moulded onto a wall.
The view from the castle, looking away from the old city.
Too much time has passed, and somehow this Segovia photo escaped a caption. Do you know what it is?
Segovia Travel Tips:
- Segovia is famous for its pork roasts and desserts, so be sure to plan for a big meal in town.
- We ignored the directional signage to the Aqueduct and followed our GPS instead. Don’t make this mistake; GPS will take you there, but you can’t cross under it to get to the parking. Follow the well-marked roads if you have a car.
- Segovia is only an hour’s drive north-west of Madrid, thus making it an easy day trip. However, we wish we had spent the night. There appeared to be plenty of overnight options. Check prices and availability at Booking.com.
- Booking.com
- We travel on our own and find Lonely Planet Western Europe Travel Guide to be useful when in Europe. If you prefer a tour, both Viator and Isango! offer several in Segovia ranging from hot air balloons to day trips from Madrid.
- If you don’t have a car, Eurail is one of the easiest ways to get around Europe. Check Prices and find the Eurail Pass that is right for you.
This updated article is part of my throwback series encouraged by moving my photos to Lightroom. The original article had five images (of which two were family) and limited information. We spent nearly three months in Spain and Portugal in 2012. Our highlights included Saragosa, Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, Cordoba, Granada, and Vigo. In Portugal, we will visit Evora, Sintra, Obidos, and Alcobaca.
Which captivated you more, the Aqueduct of Segovia, the Gothic Cathedral, or the Fairytale Castle?
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I loved Segovia when we visited in 2012! It is such a charming little city with so much to offer family travelers I’m glad to see it getting its due attention. The aqueduct is truly an amazing feat of engineering and test of time.
LOL – I wonder if we were there at the same time. Segovia is amazing, and the aqueduct is only one of its sites. My girls loved the castle, and I was quite fascinated with the magnificent cathedral. Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve not seen it and I’ve not been to Spain. I want to see America first before I even think about another country.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Seeing all of America first will keep you very busy!
Deviduct!
That’s amazing it’s still standing after all this time.
It was even more impressive to be there. Capturing the magnitude of it in only 2 dimensions is a difficult task. I am proud to be one of your minions for this years challenge.
WOW! That’s beautiful. Such incredible architecture 😀
It is just one of those places that I stand in wonder and amazement.
Wonderful scenes and heritage
You take the most amazeballs pictures!
Hugs!
Valerie
wow the structure looks incredible. 🙂
someday someday … will visit the place 🙂
It’s only about an hours drive from Madrid.
That is absolutely stunning! I love seeing remnants of past civilizations, and the reminder that they really weren’t quite so different from us, in either capability or need.
The Romans certainly had their engineering skills polished. Pretty amazing when you think about what it would take to build this without the equipment available today.
Great pics. Never been to Segovia, Have been to Spain only once I think. Loved it.
I love Spain, it is one of my favorite countries.
I just went to the Segovia Aqueduct last summer…Even after all my research I still didn’t expect its enormity. Love it!
Nothing can really prepare you for standing there and looking up at it.
Glad you are not disappointed. Hope you enjoy the rest of the journey.
Being born in Madrid, I’ve been many times in Segovia. We went there on a Sunday to eat Cochinillo, the other “must do” of the city.
Shere
I loved Madrid too! And the Cochinillo, wow. It was a bit expensive, and our vegetarian avoided it, but the rest of us had a feast. It ended with a shot of a mysterious green drink, which I assumed was part of the tradition. Any ideas what it was?
It could be two things: licor de hierbas (herb liqueur) or orujo. If it was very very strong, it was the second one. In some “little” towns is still tradition to invite you to one of the two after a big meal. People say they will help you with the digestion.
Thanks! They brought over two bottles, one stronger than the other. We thought one was for the kids, the other for us. The glasses were small, like shot glasses. It was actually in Segovia.
Segovia is a “little” town if you look at it from the eyes of someone from Madrid 😉 I hope you didn’t give your girls the strong one. The little glasses are called “chupito”.
I am pretty sure he told us which was for the girls. Thanks again.
I have never been to Segovia but your photos of the aqueduct certainly inspire me to add it to the ever-growing list!
Segovia is only an hour or so North of Madrid and worth the visit. Even if you go as a day trip. The aqueduct is one of several amazing sites. Hope you get there.
Very cool! I’ve never traveled overseas, but I hope to see it for myself one day.
Put it in your bucket list for now, and one day you will get there, and in the mean time, I will have photos from amazing places (and so will lots of other awesome bloggers).
2000 years old? Holy cow! How is that thing still standing? It’s AWESOME looking! Thanks for the pics! 🙂
LOL – of all people to make this comment, I had to laugh when I saw it was you. Wouldn’t 2,000 years be modern history in your country?
Hi Rhonda! That is one impressive aqueduct. Looks great – and love your pictures- seems u had a lovely time:-)
Thanks Eli, and if you get to Spain, this could be a day trip from Madrid, but if you are traveling slower, spend the night.
Spain is on my list of places to see!!!
I hope you get there! I love Spain.
I adore architecture!! And your photos do not disappoint.
Carrie~Anne at That Dizzy Chick
Thanks Carrie and welcome to Albom Adventures.
The folklore made me laugh. Even the pics of this are awe-inspiring.
Well I am glad to “hear” laughter 🙂
Hi there! What a great post! Aqueducts amaze me. (They also often give me Jethro Tull’s “Aqualung” as an earworm!)
Somehow I don’t think the two are related. Aqualung and Aqueduct – but thanks for the giggles. I too am always ready for some travel.
Amazing indeed! Gotta love the Romans. I have an MA in Roman archaeology. Haven’t visited Segovia yet, but planning on it 🙂
I would have loved to have had you and your knowledge traveling with us through several of the countries we visited. So much Roman influence and remains.
If it’s this gorgeous in photos, I can’t even imagine seeing it in person. Lucky you! The architecture of it all just astounds me.
Honestly, the photos don’t really capture it’s magnificence.
My favorite post I’ve read so far today! I love those beautiful photos, and love that we get to learn a bit at the same time. You can say so much with few words. 🙂
And yours is now my favorite comment I read today! Thanks. 🙂
I love Spain too. I really miss it. The book I am writing is set there, so I am in Spain in my head all the time.
Yes, it is really impressive to see live.
your comment made me smile, thanks.
These photos are absolutely amazing, and I love the story behind the aqueduct! I would jump at the chance to to see more of Spain!
LOL – I think this AtoZ is going to be busier than ever for me.
It is pretty cool.
It still amazes me what an architectural feat it would have been to build that. Great photos 🙂
wow! I love to see those beautiful old structures.Wonderful captures….
Very cool.
I’ve visited old ruins in the Caribbean. There’s something truly amazing about being in the midst of history, isn’t there?
Agreed. I so often stand and imagine life back in the days when these things were built.
I haven’t been to Spain before..the place sure looks historic. Lovely shots you captured.
Such beautiful architecture. And the photos! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Dawn.
Very nice shots. Love the architecture very much. Not boxy like most things around here.
I love Booking.com. Use it all the time for our travels nearby.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
I agree. I love the architecture of Spain, especially the medieval buildings.
Wow the castle looks so stunning! I have to admit that I’d never heard about Segovia before though – so much of Spain I still need to see!!
Segovia is only an hour from Madrid, and such a beautiful city.
Amazing buildings. Held together without mortar? Scary.
Scary or Impressive? It’s held over a thousand years.
I’m sure I commented before? I’m going quite mad! Lovely shots. YOu really are impressive with the camera.
Thanks Lydia.
What a charming place with such wonderful historical buildings. After returning from Italy last month it seems most European countries have ancient walled cities or citadels. 🙂
I love spending time in the old walled cities, photographing architecture.
Cool sites!
The ancient architecture is so impressive.
What amazing photos. I loved reading this and the photos are lovely.
Thanks Brenda.
I love, love Segovia. My visit was sweet and sour at the same time. We got to see the aqueduct, the cathedral and the alcazar but we had to rush a bit since we were visiting on a holiday and the train situation was very complicated. I could have stayed way longer. I didn’t have the opportunity to try the specialties of the area or visit La Granja. It would have to be next time. #wkendtravelinspiration
There is never enough time to see it all. Even when I have a week, there is always something I find out about later that I wish I had seen.
That is one incredibly well preserved aqueduct. Segovia is one of my favorite places in Spain. #wkendtravelinspiration
I would say I agree, but there are so many wonderful cities Segovia, Cordoba, Granada down the center of the country and I loved them all.
Spain is full of such wonderful castles isn’t it? I haven’t been to Segovia in years – must go back soon!
Yes, as we drove through Spain and Portugal it was one fascinating site after the next.
can’t decide, they’re all great!
I couldn’t decide either, that’s why I asked the questions.
We love Segovia, stayed there a couple of nights last year as part of our 3 week road trip around Spain. The aqueduct is absolutely amazing, you just can’t believe the enormity of it.
I found your GPS predicament funny, we did exactly the same.
LOL – I knew we couldn’t be the only people to ignore the signs to turn away from the aqueduct in order to get there.
Wow. The castles. Just WOW!
#teamlovinlife
Yay, that’s what we thought when we saw the castle.
As always, your photos are phenomenal. #TeamLovinLife
Thanks Jo.
Hi Rhonda – loved the tour … and it’s definitely a place I’d love to visit … gorgeous photos … cheers Hilary
I hope you get there someday. It’s not that far from the UK.
Fantastic architecture is all very well. But a structure as cleverly designed and put together as the Aqueduct? That’s just mind-blowing! I think I’d take your advice and stay over in Segovia – I’d want to take more pix of the aqueduct than would fit in a day. That’d also give me PLENTY of time to discover all the quirky visual gags up above eye level 😀
The aqueduct is really an incredible feat of engineering, and I have plenty more photos than you see here.
I love your story about the Devil’s Bridge. It’s interesting that they didn’t use mortar, they were clearly talented builders! Segovia looks like a beautiful place
I found the Devils Bridge story really interesting too. I love legends like that.
I’ve been to so many cities in Spain, but this made me realize I’ve totally ignored Segovia. I had no idea it had so many ancient things to explore. I’d love to see the aqueduct and cathedral. Time to return!
Oh, you can’t ignore Segovia, it’s so filled with history.
I remember learning about Segovia and the aqueduct in my college Spanish class. Awesome tour! Looks like a beautiful place!
Segovia is a masterpiece of architecture. I hadn’t learned about it much before we began planning our travels.
Segovia looks like such a gem! I was most taken with the aqueduct and the Cathedral a close second. I loved your photos and what great angles and perspectives you captured. It really helped to understand the gigantic scale and size of the aqueduct. I think it’s also interesting that the castle rebuilt in the 19th century is missing a certain charm compared to castles from the 16th century. Thanks for putting this city on my radar for when I return to Spain!
While the castle did lose its 16th-century charm, it was still fun to see the fantasy castle.
I think the aquaduct got me! But I was holding my breath just looking at that… you wouldn’t want the wind to blow too hard. Incredible gravity! #lovinlifelinky
It’s been there for over a thousand years, I don’t think you have to worry about the wind.
The aqueduct shadows make such an interesting pattern indeed. I would have never guessed how tall it was until I saw it relative to the people walking under it in your photo. I’d love to visit Segovia some day as you make it look so scenic. #WkendTravelInspiration
Even knowing how tall it is, it is overwhelming to stand under it and look up.
I can just imagine how it once would’ve been in the time of my ancestors…cool photos.
It would have been fascinating to be alive in the medieval times, although not so great for women.
I love the history that places like this have. Europe and particularly Spain have an abundance of ruins. The architecture in Segovia is a particular delight.
I am with you on this one. I love travelling through Spain, down the centre of the country. One major and impressive ruin after the next.
I love historical towns in the Mediterranean, and Segovia looks just stunning. It must be cool so spend a day or two wandering arouing sights like the cathedral.
Segovia was one of the most impressive cities I have ever seen.
I visited Rome recently and was so taken by the Aqueducts dotting the island. To answer your question I would choose that structure. No mortar and still standing. Imagine. #weekendwanderlust
Have you seen the Aqueduct of Segovia Spain? It’s one of the most impressive ones I have ever seen.
Wow these pictures are stunning! I really need to add this to my bucket-list 🙂
Yes, everyone should see Segovia. It is such an amazing place.
These pictures are breathtaking! I would love to visit each one of these places, Rhonda!
I hope you get too, Segovia is amazing.
All three captivated me…the aqueduct, cathedral and castle! your photos are stunning!
All three captivated me also.
Wow, stunning photos as always Rhonda! I had no idea that Segovia had such incredible Roman and Medieval Sites – the Aqueduct is particularly impressive, I can see how it would have been so inspiring to stare up at such an incredible fete of engineering!
Thanks Megan. Segovia is one of those places that literally takes your breathe away.
I’m such an architecture buff and I love taking inspiration from other’s who captured a destinations buildings on film. You’ve taken a fabulous shot of the view through the aqueduct of Segovia. Just breathtaking and well worth the climb up those steps!
Thanks Charli, I like using architecture and nature to frame my photos.
I like each of them. they are all awe inspiring. excellent images.
Thanks, and I also love all the sites in Segovia.