Plaza de Medina del Campo, Segovia

Square in Segovia

Plaza de Medina del Campo, Segovia
Plaza de Medina del Campo, Segovia
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Romerin

Plaza de Medina del Campo sits right on Segovia's main historic spine, a small-but-iconic square that feels like a natural pause point between bigger headline monuments. Address-wise, it's as central as it gets: Pl. Medina del Campo, 2, 40001 Segovia, Spain, surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and handsome stone buildings that make even a quick pass-through feel like you've stepped into the city's daily rhythm.

What makes it memorable is how much is packed into a compact space: the Juan Bravo monument at the centre, the nearby Church of San Martín, and the two distinctive “Sirens” that locals love pointing out to first-time visitors. If you're mapping out one of the must-see places in Segovia, this square earns its spot because it's a genuine slice of the Old Town rather than a cordoned-off attraction, and it also fits effortlessly into a walking tour of Segovia.

History and Significance of the Plaza de Medina del Campo

Plaza de Medina del Campo is sometimes referred to locally as Plaza de Juan Bravo or Plaza de las Sirenas, and those nicknames tell you exactly what to look for. The square's identity is anchored by the tribute to Juan Bravo, a Segovian leader associated with the Revolt of the Comuneros, which still resonates as a story of civic pride and resistance in Castile.

The most conversation-starting details, though, are the Sirens. Commissioned in the mid-19th century and installed in 1852, these sculptural figures by Francisco Bellver are closer to sphinx-like mythic creatures than the fish-tailed mermaids many travellers expect, and they’ve become one of Segovia’s most recognisable “spot-the-detail” moments.

Hovering right beside the square is the Church of San Martín, a landmark in its own right. Built in the 12th century, it’s known for its Romanesque character and the four large prophet-like statues that give the façade a wonderfully theatrical feel, especially when you notice them while crossing the plaza.

Things to See and Do in the Plaza de Medina del Campo

Start in the middle and take a slow loop around the Juan Bravo monument, because it helps you “read” the square: you’ll naturally spot how the space opens and narrows, where terraces cluster, and how the church and surrounding buildings frame the views. This is also the easiest place to spot the Sirens, which sit as a quirky, photogenic counterpoint to the more formal monument.

Next, drift toward the Church of San Martín and look up before you go in or move on. The façade statues are the kind of detail you can miss when you're focused on bigger sites like the aqueduct or cathedral, but here they're close enough to appreciate without any effort, and they add a very “Segovia” flavour to the square's atmosphere.

Finally, do what locals do: treat the plaza as a built-in break. Grab a coffee, watch the foot traffic moving along Calle Real, and take in the small city sounds that make Segovia feel lived-in rather than staged. If you're visiting later in the day, the square also works well as a pre-dinner stop, when the energy shifts from sightseeing to evening strolls.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Plaza de Medina del Campo

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon is ideal for atmosphere, with softer light on the stone façades and a lively café scene without the midday rush.
  • How long to spend: 15-30 minutes for a look-around and photos, or 45-60 minutes if you add a relaxed café stop.
  • Accessibility: The square is generally easy to navigate, but expect uneven paving and gentle slopes typical of Segovia’s Old Town.
  • Facilities: Plenty of nearby cafés and restaurants, plus easy access to shops and other Old Town services within a few minutes’ walk.

How to Get to the Plaza de Medina del Campo

Plaza de Medina del Campo is in Segovia's Old Town, right along the main pedestrian route of Calle Real/Calle Juan Bravo, between the Aqueduct area and Plaza Mayor. If you're arriving from outside Segovia, the nearest major airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), with onward travel to Segovia by rail or coach. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Segovia on Booking.com.

From Madrid, the simplest rail option is the high-speed train to Segovia-Guiomar station, then a local bus or taxi into the historic centre; once you're in the Old Town, the plaza is easy to reach on foot as part of the main sightseeing corridor. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the Aqueduct of Segovia (Plaza del Azoguejo), it's roughly a 5-10 minute walk along the central streets, and from Segovia Cathedral/Plaza Mayor it's about 5 minutes back along Calle Juan Bravo.

By car, it's best to park in a public car park outside the tightest Old Town lanes and walk in, since central streets can be narrow and access may be restricted; from most central parking areas, Plaza de Medina del Campo is a short, straightforward walk. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Where to Stay Close to the Plaza de Medina del Campo

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Segovia's Old Town around Calle Real and Plaza Mayor so you can walk everywhere and dip in and out of landmarks without planning your day around transport.

If you want a classic central stay that keeps you close to the square and the evening restaurant scene, Hotel Spa La Casa Mudéjar is a strong pick, especially if you like the idea of unwinding with spa time after a day on cobbles. For an equally central, convenient base that’s great for early starts and late walks, Hotel San Miguel puts you right in the historic core. If you’d rather be slightly tucked away while still staying walkable to the main sights, Exe Casa de Los Linajes offers a quieter feel in the Old Town fabric.

Is the Plaza de Medina del Campo Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want Segovia to feel like more than a checklist of major monuments. The plaza is compact, scenic, and layered with details that are easy to appreciate even on a short stop, from the Juan Bravo monument to the playful oddity of the Sirens.

It’s also a smart “connector” sight: you’ll likely pass close by anyway, and taking ten minutes here makes the Old Town feel more coherent. In practical terms, it’s one of those stops that adds a lot of atmosphere for very little time investment.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (57)

Monumento a Juan Bravo stands in Plaza Medina del Campo on the street named for him, a bronze statue portraying the Castilian leader in armor holding a flag; visitors note it sits atop steps and is an easy stop when walking toward the Cathedral, Plaza Mayor or Alcázar, often decorated with roses and tributes and recommended as a nice spot for photos.

Q G
4 months ago
"Located in the Plaza Medina del Campo, along the street that bears his name, the statue of Juan Bravo stands as a powerful tribute to one of the keyleaders of the Castilian Comuneros’ revolt of the 16th century. Bravo, a nobleman of Segovia, fought to change the course of Spanish history, striving for a monarch who was either truly Spanish or, at the very least, aligned with the ideals of the Castilian people. His fate was tragic: captured after the defeat at the Battle of Villalar, he was executed by beheading on April 24, 1521. To commemorate the fourth centenary of his death, this impressive bronze monument was erected in 1921. Today, the statue remains in excellent condition, often adorned with roses and tributes, serving as a poignant reminder of bravery, sacrifice, and the fight for Castile’s voice in history...."
macedonboy
6 years ago
"This monument stands in tribute to Juan Bravo, one of the leaders of the Castilian Revolt of the Comuneros. A revolt that some considered to havebeen the first against social injustice of the nobles versus the peasantry. The statue depicts Bravo as a patriot standing in full armour, while holding a flag in his right hand. The statue is located in Plaza Medina del Campo at the top of some steps. You'll like pass this on the way to the Cathedral or Plaza Mayor or the Alcazar. Worth a look if heading in that direction...."
Dolphins Diving Center Lloret de Mar
2 years ago
"It was really nice and I will definitely recommend to make some pictures from this place.."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This square works well with kids because it’s short, outdoors, and full of quick visual hooks. The Sirens are the obvious win: they’re unusual enough to spark questions and keep children engaged without needing long explanations.

If you need a low-effort break, the café terraces make it easy to pause while still “being” in the sightseeing flow. Treat it as a reset point before heading on to bigger attractions that require more walking or patience.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Plaza de Medina del Campo is a mood stop rather than a must-do activity. Come through in the golden hour, linger for a drink, and let the Old Town's stone textures and gentle bustle do the work.

It’s also a great place for understated photos that feel more personal than the big postcard angles. A simple shot with the church backdrop or a close-up moment near the Sirens can capture the “we were here” feeling without the crowds of the headline monuments.

Budget Travelers

Budget-wise, it’s perfect: you’re getting atmosphere, history, and memorable details without paying for entry. It’s also naturally placed along routes you’ll walk anyway, so you don’t need extra transport or a special detour to include it.

If you want to keep spending down, make this a “café only if it fits” stop and use it as a navigation anchor between bigger sights. The value here is the setting itself, and it’s just as enjoyable with a water bottle as it is with a sit-down break.

FAQs for Visiting the Plaza de Medina del Campo

Getting There

It’s in Segovia’s Old Town core along the main historic streets, close to major walking routes between the aqueduct area and the cathedral zone. Because it sits right in the flow of the centre, you’ll often stumble onto it naturally while exploring.
Walk along the main central streets toward the cathedral direction and follow the steady stream of pedestrians through the Old Town. The plaza is an easy mid-way stop where the street opens out and the Juan Bravo monument becomes your visual cue.
Take a taxi or local bus into the historic centre, then continue on foot for the final stretch. The Old Town is best explored walking, and this plaza is a convenient early landmark once you’re in the centre.

Visiting Experience

Focus on the trio of highlights: the Juan Bravo monument, the Sirens, and the façade of San Martín. Once you spot those, the square’s character clicks and the surrounding architecture feels more intentional.
Ten minutes is enough to see the main features and get photos, especially if you’re already walking through the centre. If you add a café stop, it becomes an easy half-hour break that still feels productive.
Yes, because it costs you almost no time and improves the feel of your route through the Old Town. Think of it as a “texture stop” that makes the city feel richer between the bigger headline monuments.

Photography

Yes, particularly for detail shots that feel unique to Segovia, like the Sirens and the church façade elements. The scale is manageable, so you can get strong compositions without needing special vantage points.
Late afternoon is ideal for softer light on stone and a livelier street scene. Mid-morning also works well if you prefer clearer space around the monument and sculptures.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, it’s one of the most natural pause points in the centre because you can sit down without leaving the sightseeing route. It’s especially handy if you want a short break before continuing toward bigger sites.
Both work, but it shines as a flexible stop: coffee and something small if you’re moving, or a longer lunch if you want to slow down. If you’re eating later, it’s also a pleasant pre-dinner stroll area.

Safety & Timing

Generally, yes: it’s a central Old Town square with steady foot traffic and dining activity. As usual in busy tourist centres, keep an eye on valuables, but the vibe is typically relaxed.
Later in the day usually feels more atmospheric because the square becomes part of the evening promenade. Early visits are quieter and easier for photos, so it depends on whether you want calm or ambience.

Accessibility & Facilities

The plaza itself is straightforward, but Segovia’s Old Town surfaces can be uneven and sloped. If you plan a gentle route and take breaks, it’s still very doable as a short stop.
The plaza is a public square, so facilities are typically via nearby cafés and restaurants rather than dedicated visitor amenities. Planning a drink or snack stop is the easiest way to solve that practically.

Nearby Attractions to the Plaza de Medina del Campo

  • Church of San Martín: A Romanesque landmark right by the plaza, known for its striking façade sculptures and historic character.
  • Torreón de Lozoya: A nearby historic tower and cultural venue that adds another layer to this part of the Old Town.
  • Aqueduct of Segovia: The city's signature Roman monument, an easy walk away along the main central route.
  • Segovia Cathedral: A Gothic showpiece in the Old Town, perfect to combine with the plaza as part of a compact centre route.
  • Plaza Mayor: Segovia's main square and a natural follow-on stop for cafés, people-watching, and Old Town ambience.

The Plaza de Medina del Campo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Segovia!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Pl. Medina del Campo, 2, 40001 Segovia, Spain
Segovia: 1 km

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs