Segovia is one of those magical towns that seems to take your breath away with each new thing you discover. An exquisite old section surrounded by an ancient Roman wall, it’s what’s inside that wall that offers the most amazing things to do in Segovia.
The one which is most famous is probably the Alcazar of Segovia, otherwise thought of as the fairytale castle that was Disney’s inspiration.
Then there is the Cathedral of Segovia, an off-the-charts example of the attention paid to every detail in late Gothic architecture.
However, I was so captivated by the Aqueduct of Segovia I could barely peel myself away to discover the other sites. Thankfully we did, as staring up at the aqueduct is only one of several fascinating things to do in Segovia.
For us, Segovia was a self-guided day trip from Madrid. While I would have preferred more time here, I know that many get less time and combine it as a day tour of nearby Toledo. One would need a guide to attempt that, or they would simply miss too much.
Top 3 things to do in Segovia Spain
- Aqueduct of Segovia
- Cathedral of Segovia
- Alcazar of Segovia (a fairytale castle)
Aqueduct of Segovia
The impressive Aqueduct of Segovia is over 2000 years old and incredibly well preserved. It’s an engineering feat of the Roman Empire, built about 50 A.D.
With two tiers of arches, it stands 28 meters tall and stretched 16,220 meters. Most impressive is the fact that gravity holds the unmortared granite bricks in place.
It’s a symbol that features prominently on the city’s crest, and it’s often thought of as the main drawing card for Segovia. However, there are plenty of other fascinating things to do in Segovia.
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.
Cathedral of Segovia Spain
The city is also known as home to the first Gothic cathedral in Spain, built during the 16th century. It is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful examples of late Gothic architecture.
Entry requires a ticket, and there is often a long queue to get in. This is what stopped us, as we were only on a day trip. Better planning and we would have pre-reserved our ticket. Reserve your cathedral entrance ticket here.
Alcazar of Segovia (a fairytale castle)
Think back to your childhood and visualize a medieval fairytale castle. This is the Segovia castle. However, it wasn’t a “fairytale” in medieval days. In the story that we were told, the original castle burnt to the ground in the 16th century.
The 19th-century rebuild created the fantasy rather than recreating the original. Many say this is the castle that inspired Walt Disney.
With limited time, we opted not to tour it but just to walk the grounds and enjoy a coffee in Alcazar’s cafe. Either way, a visit to the alcazar should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Segovia.
More things to do in Segovia Spain
Jewish Quarter
Jews first arrived in Segovia in the 13th century and lived in the district now referred to as the Jewish Quarter. The self-governing community thrived until the Spanish Inquisition, after which time only those Jews who converted to Catholicism were allowed to remain.
Many more churches in Segovia Spain
According to reader Kitat, the city maintains an important collection of Romanesque churches of both stone and brick, which include the churches of San Esteban, San Millán, San Martín, La Santísima Trinidad, San Andrés, San Clemente, Santos Justo y Pastor, La Vera Cruz, and San Salvador.
Don’t miss the detail in the building decor
City wall and city gate of Old Segovia
The city gate leads to old Segovia, the walled portion of the city, now a UNESCO site. The cathedral, Alcazar, and aqueduct are all encased within the old city.
How to get from Madrid to Segovia
Segovia is only an hour’s drive northwest of Madrid, thus making it an easy day trip. We had a car included in our home exchange in Spain; therefore, we opted to self-drive and included Segovia on our Central Spain road trip. Other options include a train, a bus, or a tour.
Self-drive Madrid to Segovia
If we hadn’t swapped both car and home, we probably would have rented a car, as we prefer self-driving in countries where we speak enough of the language to get around successfully.
Ever since we discovered RentalCars.com, we have been using them exclusively. Easy to book online, we simply enter our pick-up and drop-off cities. Then, we are presented with a list of local rental outlets, including their ratings, reviews, and cars available that meet our needs.
To date, every booking has been exactly as expected, and when we had minor problems, we simply contacted the English-speaking customer service agents for assistance. Check price and availability at RentalCars.com
Tips for self-drivers from Madrid to Segovia
- If you are self-driving, follow the directional road signs to find the aqueduct. We ignored them, choosing to follow our GPS instead. Don’t make this mistake; GPS took us to the side of the aqueduct without parking.
- Arrive feeling hungry. This city is famous for pork roasts and desserts. Allocate time for a big meal at any of the restaurants in town.
Read next: 10 Amazing Day Trips from Madrid: Unmissable Nearby Escapes
Tour Segovia Spain
There are many tour options, some starting in town, others including round-trip transportation from Madrid to Segovia. Importantly, before booking a tour, check the language that the tour will be in. While many of the tours we encountered were in Spanish only, all of the tours have English-speaking guides at the time of writing this page.
Walking tours starting in Segovia
Free Walking Tours
We love free walking tours in cities and always search for them first. Don’t be confused by the word “free”, as decent tipping is expected. There are two free options in Segovia; both are rated well: GuruWalk or Free Tour.
Tours starting in Madrid
Segovia Tour with Guided Walking Tour: This highly rated 11-hour tour travels from Madrid to Segovia via bus. You will enjoy a 90-minute walking tour in both English and Spanish. The tour includes a visit to the aqueduct, the cathedral, and the castle. You will even have some free time before returning to Madrid. Reserve your walking tour of Segovia from Madrid
Segovia: Hot Air Balloon Experience & Guided City Tour
This 7.5-hour once-in-a-lifetime experience includes a one-hour balloon ride over Segovia, a countryside breakfast, a walking tour of the old town, entry to the cathedral, the Alcazar, and much more. Reserve your hot air balloon experience here
Toledo, Segovia, and Avila Guided tour from Madrid
If you are short on time and want to see the best of the region, this popular 13-hour tour is for you. A long day with a lot of walking, but an amazing one. You will visit two of Spain’s UNESCO cities, see the inspiration for Disney’s castle, discover some of the best-preserved medieval walls in Avila, and learn how the Moors, Christians and Jews lived harmoniously in Toledo. Pick the Avila optional addition when you reserve your all-day tour of Segovia, Avila, and Toledo
Vanessa Shields
Segovia looks so pretty and a wonderful area to explore. Ever since I first saw a photo of the aqueduct, I have always wanted to visit. Its construction and history is truly incredible. Thanks for al the great info!
Alicia Kaye
Thanks for sharing this Segovia post! I had honestly never heard of this town before until reading this post. My partner and I are doing a big Europe trip in 2020 and aswell with seeing some of those dream destinations like Barcelona I want to spend more time in less visited areas and this will be going on my list! The castle looks enchanting and it’s crazy to think only gravity is holding the Aqueduct up! Thanks for sharing!
Merrie Rodriguez
Spain looks so gorgeous! Dying to go one day!
Kitat
The church that appears in the photo is the church of San Andres (XII century)
https://goo.gl/maps/KpQqwTJp9pURtUjK7
The city maintains an important collection of Romanesque churches of both stone and brick, which include the churches of San Esteban, San Millán, San Martín, la Santísima Trinidad, San Andrés, San Clemente, Santos Justo y Pastor, la Vera Cruz, and San Salvador.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. I added it above.
Eva Kisgyorgy
Wow, I was in Segovia about 20 years ago, this post brings back lovely memories:-)
Felicia
I like each of them. they are all awe inspiring. excellent images.
Charli
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!
Megan Jerrard
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!
Carol Colborn
All three captivated me…the aqueduct, cathedral and castle! your photos are stunning!
Agness of Fit Travelling
These pictures are breathtaking! I would love to visit each one of these places, Rhonda!
Holly O'Sullivan
Wow these pictures are stunning! I really need to add this to my bucket-list 🙂
Elaine J Masters
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.
Veronika Tomanova
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.
Mike Cotton
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.
Amy
I can just imagine how it once would’ve been in the time of my ancestors…cool photos.
Rhonda Albom
It would have been fascinating to be alive in the medieval times, although not so great for women.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
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
Carol Cameleon
I think the aqueduct got me! But I was holding my breath just looking at that… you wouldn’t want the wind to blow too hard. Incredible gravity!
Rhonda Albom
It’s been there for over a thousand years, I don’t think you have to worry about the wind.
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
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!
Rhonda Albom
While the castle did lose its 16th-century charm, it was still fun to see the fantasy castle.
jill
I remember learning about Segovia and the aqueduct in my college Spanish class. Awesome tour! Looks like a beautiful place!
Rhonda Albom
Segovia is a masterpiece of architecture. I hadn’t learned about it much before we began planning our travels.
Carol Perehudoff
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!
Suze
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
Marion Halliday (Red Nomad OZ)
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 😀
Rhonda Albom
The aqueduct is really an incredible feat of engineering, and I have plenty more photos than you see here.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – loved the tour … and it’s definitely a place I’d love to visit … gorgeous photos … cheers Hilary
Jo Tracey
As always, your photos are phenomenal.
Leanne
Wow. The castles. Just WOW!
Rhonda Albom
Yay, that’s what we thought when we saw the castle.
Janis
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.
Rhonda Albom
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.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
can’t decide, they’re all great!
Fiona Maclean
Spain is full of such wonderful castles isn’t it? I haven’t been to Segovia in years – must go back soon!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, as we drove through Spain and Portugal it was one fascinating site after the next.
Jim ~ Reflections Enroute
That is one incredibly well-preserved aqueduct. Segovia is one of my favorite places in Spain.
Ruth | Tanama Tales
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
Rhonda Albom
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.
Brenda Fluharty
What amazing photos. I loved reading this and the photos are lovely.
Kathy Marris
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. 🙂
Lydia C. Lee
I’m sure I commented before? I’m going quite mad! Lovely shots. YOu really are impressive with the camera.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Amazing buildings. Held together without mortar? Scary.
Rhonda Albom
Scary or Impressive? It’s held over a thousand years.
Vanessa Brune
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!!
Sandee
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. ☺
Rhonda Albom
I agree. I love the architecture of Spain, especially the medieval buildings.
Dawn Rae
Such beautiful architecture. And the photos! Thank you for sharing.
Dominique Goh
I haven’t been to Spain before..the place sure looks historic. Lovely shots you captured.
Nancy
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?
Amila
wow! I love to see those beautiful old structures.Wonderful captures….
Sarah
It still amazes me what an architectural feat it would have been to build that. Great photos 🙂
Julie
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!
Kristen Dyrr
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. 🙂
Lynda Dietz
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.
Tarkabarka
Amazing indeed! Gotta love the Romans. I have an MA in Roman archaeology. Haven’t visited Segovia yet, but planning on it 🙂
Tui Snider @TuiSnider
Hi there! What a great post! Aqueducts amaze me. (They also often give me Jethro Tull’s “Aqualung” as an earworm!)
Julie Flanders
The folklore made me laugh. Even the pics of this are awe-inspiring.
Carrie-Anne Foster (thatdizzychick)
I adore architecture!! And your photos do not disappoint.
Carrie~Anne at That Dizzy Chick
moondustwriter
Spain is on my list of places to see!!!
Eli
Hi Rhonda! That is one impressive aqueduct. Looks great – and love your pictures- seems u had a lovely time:-)
Lexa Cain
2000 years old? Holy cow! How is that thing still standing? It’s AWESOME looking! Thanks for the pics! 🙂
Christine Rains
Very cool! I’ve never traveled overseas, but I hope to see it for myself one day.
jenny@atasteoftravel
I have never been to Segovia but your photos of the aqueduct certainly inspire me to add it to the ever-growing list!
Rhonda Albom
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.
Shere
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
Shere
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.
Shere
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”.
Corinne
I just went to the Segovia Aqueduct last summer…Even after all my research I still didn’t expect its enormity. Love it!
lynneinpborough
Great pics. Never been to Segovia, Have been to Spain only once I think. Loved it.
Rebekah Loper
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.
Rajlakshmi
wow the structure looks incredible. 🙂
someday someday … will visit the place 🙂
Valerie
You take the most amazeballs pictures!
Hugs!
Valerie
Ahmed Dawod
Wonderful scenes and heritage
Considerer
WOW! That’s beautiful. Such incredible architecture 😀
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Deviduct!
That’s amazing it’s still standing after all this time.
Comedy Plus
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. 🙂
Tamara @ We3Travel
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.