Self-guided Walking Tour of Segovia (with Photos & Map)

Our first stop is in the Plaza del Azoguejo square, with its amazing views of the Aqueduct. The nearby information point is a good opportunity to pick up all the information you need for a tour of the city.

As well as having your photo taken under the aqueduct, you can also see interesting details, especially the perfection of the masonry, with no mortar or other adhesive material to keep the blocks together. Each one (weighing up to two tons) is simply placed on top of another, demonstrating the precision of Roman engineering. If you look closely, you’ll see that apart from some of the lower ones, the stones all have grooves on their sides. These are the marks caused by dragging the stones and raising them into position.

The Casa de los Picos is a very particular building, from the 15th century, featuring a facade with over 600 granite points. However, there’s not much to do, as it now houses an applied arts school. It is simply a great place to admire, and to take some great pictures

The Plaza de Medina del Campo is a beautiful square in the centre of Segovia. Among the inhabitants of Segovia, it is known as Plaza de Juan Bravo or Plaza de las sirenas – due to the  two fantastic statues of spinx. Flanked by the beautiful 12th century Church of San Martin on one side and by nice looking hotels and shops on the other. At the centre of the square is a set of steps that take you up to the old Lozoya watch tower . On the way up you’ll also pass a monument to Juan Bravo, one of the leaders of the failed Revolt of the Comuneros. There’s a restaurant near the top of the steps and because it’s about 5 metres above the street level, it’s a nice pace to sit and people watch.

Dominating the Plaza Mayor is the Cathedral. The Catedral de Segovia is an extremely impressive, cathedral built in the mid-16th century. A Gothic-styled Roman Catholic cathedral, the church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Within the plaza, there is ample space to circle and marvel at the cathedral from all angles. I further recommend exploring the inside of the cathedral as well. While it isn’t free, the views from the tower are spectacular, and the artwork inside is amazing.

Casa del Sol – Museo de Segovia is an enduring museum dedicated to local archaeology, ethnology & fine arts, housed in a former fortress. It is a modern well laid out museum, presenting in chronological order the history of Segovia. It has an excellent collection of pre-historical and Roman artefacts. There is an English translation on most of the larger display boards.

As you approach the Alcázar you have great views out over the city walls.

Next, you’ll proceed to the Alcázar of Segovia. The Alcázar is most-known for its distinctive, “bow of a ship” shape. Furthermore, it is rumored to have inspired Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World.

While it was first referenced in 1120, the Alcázar has history well before that. Built initially as a Roman fort, then covered with Muslim influence, several royals have since left their mark on it.

After exploring the plaza and gardens preceding the Alcázar, I strongly recommend entering the castle as well. While it does cost money, the return is phenomenal: breathtaking views, an educational experience, and incredible architecture.

The Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos is a patch of field  with impressive views of the fairy tale Alcazar of Segovia from the base of the cliff. from here you can walk back through the town or carry on around to get more photos of the castle.