Spain. Segovia

  The day after returning from our three-week adventure in Peru, we slowed the pace and took a day trip from Madrid to the historic city of Segovia. We spent the day wandering through its charming medieval streets, admiring the beautifully preserved architecture, and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. We explored the magnificent Alcázar of Segovia, visited the historic Fundación Torreón de Lozoya, and enjoyed leisurely walks through the old town, discovering picturesque squares and hidden corners along the way.

   Segovia is one of the best destinations for a day trip. Located about 90 km northwest of the Spanish capital, this UNESCO World Heritage city is famous for its remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct, fairytale-like castle, and impressive Gothic cathedral. Despite its relatively small size, Segovia is packed with history, beautiful architecture, and traditional Castilian charm.

  The Roman Aqueduct is undoubtedly Segovia's most iconic landmark and one of the best-preserved Roman engineering masterpieces in the world. Built around the 1st century AD, the aqueduct stretches for over 800 meters through the city and reaches a height of nearly 29 meters at its highest point. What makes it even more remarkable is that it was constructed without the use of mortar—its massive granite blocks are held together solely by precise engineering. Even after almost 2,000 years, the aqueduct remains the symbol of Segovia and is an unforgettable sight.

  One of Segovia's most unusual buildings is the Casa de los Picos, or "House of the Peaks." Its façade is covered with over 600 granite pyramid-shaped stones, giving it a distinctive and striking appearance. Built in the late 15th century, the house now serves as an art school and exhibition space. It is a fascinating example of late Gothic civil architecture and one of the city's most photographed buildings after the aqueduct.

   One of the most unusual details we noticed in Segovia was the distinctive façade decoration on many of the old buildings, especially the sgraffito-style wall patterns with carved geometric shapes and small character-like motifs. 

   We saw this same decorative technique again inside the Alcazar later, where some interior walls were also finished with similar patterned plasterwork, creating a unique visual continuity between the city and the castle. This style felt very specific to Segovia and added a special charm to its historic streets.

  Our walk through Segovia brought us to Plaza Medina del Campo, one of the city's most attractive squares. Surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafés, the square has a peaceful atmosphere and serves as a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors... 

   At its centre stands the Monument to Juan Bravo, created by sculptor Aniceto Marinas. The bronze statue commemorates Juan Bravo, one of the leaders of the Revolt of the Comuneros against Emperor Charles V in the early 16th century.  Just below the monument, two striking white stone sculptures known as Las Sirenas ("The Sirens") immediately caught our attention.Created by sculptor Francisco Bellver in 1852, these sculptures have become one of the square's most recognizable landmarks, giving Plaza Medina del Campo its popular nickname, Plaza de las Sirenas.

  Just a short walk away, we visited the Fundación Torreón de Lozoya, a beautifully preserved medieval palace that combines Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar architectural styles. Originally built in the 13th century as the residence of the influential Lozoya family, the complex now serves as a cultural centre hosting art exhibitions and cultural events...

   One of the highlights of our visit was climbing the medieval defensive tower. From the top, we enjoyed lovely views over Segovia's rooftops, with the narrow streets stretching below us and the impressive Cathedral rising elegantly in the background. The panoramic view offered a wonderful perspective of the city's historic centre and was well worth the climb.

  The lively Plaza Mayor is the heart of Segovia's old town. Surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, restaurants, and terraces, it's the perfect place to take a break and soak up the atmosphere. Locals and visitors gather here throughout the day, making it one of the city's most vibrant spots.

    From the square, we enjoyed beautiful views of the Cathedral, whose elegant tower rises above the surrounding rooftops.

  We took a relaxing break here, listening to a local street musician while enjoying jamon Iberico with juice that we had bought nearby. Sitting in the lively square, surrounded by historic architecture and the sounds of music, was a wonderful way to experience the atmosphere of Segovia before continuing our walk through the city's medieval streets.

  Dominating the Plaza Mayor is the magnificent Segovia Cathedral, often referred to as "The Lady of Cathedrals." Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it is one of the last Gothic cathedrals constructed in Europe...

  From western side of the city, skyline of Segovia unfolds beautifully, with the magnificent Cathedral rising above the tightly packed medieval rooftops. Seen from this angle, the cathedral's soaring Gothic tower dominates the historic centre, while the surrounding city walls and tiled houses create a picture-perfect panorama.

   Standing dramatically on a rocky hill above the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers, the Alcázar of Segovia is one of Spain's most iconic castles and looks as though it belongs in a fairy tale. The site was originally fortified in Roman times, but the stone castle we see today began to take shape in the early 12th century, shortly after Segovia was reconquered by the Christians. Over the centuries, it was expanded by successive Castilian monarchs and became one of the favourite residences of the Kings of Castile.

  We entered the Alcazar by crossing the stone bridge that spans the former moat, passing beneath the impressive gate and thick defensive walls that once protected the royal fortress. Stepping inside, it was easy to imagine how formidable the castle must have looked to visitors and enemies alike during the Middle Ages.

   One of the first rooms we explored displayed an impressive collection of medieval armour, swords, shields, and suits of plate armour worn by knights. These exhibits illustrate the evolution of warfare in medieval Spain and reflect the Alcázar's long history as both a royal residence and a military fortress.

   The Throne Room (Salón del Solio) is one of the most ceremonial and symbolic spaces inside the Alcazar of Segovia. Richly decorated with deep red velvet walls and ornate detailing, the room was designed to emphasize royal authority and the power of the Castilian monarchy.

  Framed prominently on the walls are large 19th-century paintings of the Catholic Monarchs. On the left stands King Ferdinand II of Aragon,while on the right is Queen Isabella I of Castile. These two rulers are among the most important figures in Spanish history, known for their marriage in 1469, which unified Castile and Aragon and laid the foundation for the modern Spanish state. Isabella is also remembered for sponsoring Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage, marking the beginning of Spain’s global empire.

  The next room continues this historical narrative and focuses on the proclamation of Queen Isabella I of Castile. In 1474, following the death of her half-brother King Henry IV, Isabella left the Alcázar and was proclaimed Queen of Castile in Segovia's Plaza Mayor. This moment marked a decisive turning point in Castilian and Spanish history, as her rule - together with Ferdinand of Aragon - shaped the political unification of Spain and the beginning of the Age of Discovery. Paintings and displays in the room depict this pivotal event and celebrate one of the country's most influential monarchs.

    Another highlight is the Hall of Kings (Sala de los Reyes). The walls are lined with statues of the Kings of Asturias, León, and Castile, creating an impressive gallery of the monarchs who ruled the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula during the Reconquista. The room emphasizes the royal lineage that culminated in the powerful Kingdom of Castile and reflects the Alcázar's importance as a symbol of royal authority.

  The Retablo de la Pasión (Altarpiece of the Passion) in the chapel of the Alcázar of Segovia is a late medieval religious altarpiece, generally dated to the 15th–16th century. It depicts key scenes from the Passion of Christ, including his suffering and crucifixion, arranged in a richly detailed Gothic composition with painted panels and carved wooden elements. Created for devotional use in the Alcázar’s royal chapel, it reflects the close connection between Castilian monarchy and Catholic faith during this period, when religious imagery played a central role in royal worship and court life.

   At the heart of the castle lies a peaceful inner courtyard, surrounded by elegant arcades and historic stone façades. Unlike the richly decorated ceremonial halls, the courtyard has a simple, harmonious atmosphere and provided light and fresh air to the surrounding rooms.

  One of the highlights was strolling to several scenic viewpoints around the city, where we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Castilian countryside...

  From these vantage points, Segovia unfolds dramatically across its rocky plateau, with the Alcázar perched on its cliff edge, the soaring Gothic Cathedral rising above the old town, and the ancient city walls tracing the horizon. The wide open landscapes of Castilla stretch into the distance, giving a real sense of the region’s vastness and historic significance.

   Our final stop in Segovia was a small ice cream shop near the Roman Aqueduct, where we took a short break before heading back to the bus to Madrid.

  For us, Segovia also felt like a closing chapter. It was the final destination of a broader journey through Peru and Spain, and the day after our visit we were already on our way back to Lithuania. After three weeks of trekking in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash, exploring the Amazonia and then discovering Spain’s historic cities, Segovia was a calm and beautiful ending to an unforgettable trip.