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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

Aqueduct of Segovia Spain
We had known the size before we arrived, but nothing quite prepared us for standing in awe at the base of this massive structure.
Aqueduct of Segovia Spain
Looking at the detail, one can see that there is no mortar holding the stones together.
Aqueduct of Segovia Spain
Preparation for an evening festival was going on when we were there.
Aqueduct of Segovia Spain
We climbed the steps seen in the previous photo to get a better look at the upper portion of the aqueduct of Segovia.
Aqueduct of Segovia Spain
The shadows cast an unusual pattern.


Segovia Cathedral

The city is also known for its cathedral that is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful examples of late Gothic architecture.

Segovia Cathedral in Segovia Spain
Of all of the magnificent medieval cathedrals we have seen in Spain, architecturally, the Segovia Cathedral is my favourite.
The Segovia Cathedral is one of many impressive things to see in Segovia Spain
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 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 Temple of Segovia Spain
The entrance to the old main Jewish Temple of Segovia. Today, it is a church.

Other Segovia Attractions

Funny statues on balconies in Segovia Spain
It’s a town with a sense of humour; remember to look up.
Medieval gate to Segovia Spain
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 of Segovia Spain
View of the city wall.
A sun dial moulded onto a wall in Spain
A sundial moulded onto a wall.
A view from the castle of Segovia Spain
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.
  • 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.

Which captivated you more, the Aqueduct of Segovia, the Gothic Cathedral, or the Fairytale Castle?

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The aqueduct of Segovia is one of many stunning sites in Segovia Spain The medieval section of Segovia Spain is a masterpiece.

 

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Comments

  3. 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!

    Reply

  4. 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!

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  12. 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

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  13. 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!

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  14. 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!

    Reply

  16. 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!

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  17. 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

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  18. 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 😀

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  22. 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.

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  27. 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

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  29. 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. 🙂

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  33. 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. ☺

    Reply

  40. 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. 🙂

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  43. Hi there! What a great post! Aqueducts amaze me. (They also often give me Jethro Tull’s “Aqualung” as an earworm!)

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  45. I adore architecture!! And your photos do not disappoint.

    Carrie~Anne at That Dizzy Chick

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    • 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.

      Reply

  51. 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

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    • 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.

      Reply

      • 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”.

        Reply

  54. 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.

    Reply

  61. 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.

    Reply

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