If you’re planning a trip to one of Spain’s most stunning medieval cities, you’re in for an absolute treat. Segovia sits just over an hour from Madrid, in the Castile and León region. Segovia offers some of the most incredible Roman and medieval architecture you’ll find anywhere in Europe.
I’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your visit to Segovia, from its world-famous Roman aqueduct to its fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney. You’ll learn about the must-see sights, where to try the city’s famous roast suckling pig, and practical tips for getting around this city whose old town and aqueduct are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Reaching Segovia
The easiest way to reach Segovia is by high-speed train from Madrid. The Renfe Avant or Alvia service takes 25-30 minutes from Madrid’s Chamartín station to Segovia-Guiomar station, though you’ll need to catch a bus from there into the city centre (about 15 minutes).
If you’re driving, it’s about 97 kilometres (60 miles) from Madrid via the A-6 and AP-61 motorways, typically taking 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. There’s paid parking available around the old town, though spaces can be limited during peak tourist times.
What to see in Segovia
Roman Aqueduct
Segovia’s most famous sight is undoubtedly the Roman aqueduct that dominates the Plaza del Azoguejo. This incredible structure dates back to the 1st century AD and stretches for over 15 kilometres, though the most impressive section is the 728-metre stretch you’ll see in the city centre.
What’s absolutely mind-blowing is that this massive structure was built entirely without mortar – the granite blocks are held together purely by their own weight and precise engineering. The highest point reaches 28.5 metres above ground, and it continued supplying water to the city until the mid-19th century.
The best views are from the Plaza del Azoguejo at the base, but you can also climb up to the Mirador del Postigo for fantastic photos looking down the length of the aqueduct. Early morning or late afternoon light makes for the most dramatic photographs.
Segovia Cathedral
The cathedral sits proudly in the Plaza Mayor and is often called “The Lady of Cathedrals” for its elegant Gothic architecture. Built in the 16th century, it was actually the last Gothic cathedral constructed in Spain, which makes it quite unique.
Opening hours:
- April to October: 9:30am – 6:30pm
- November to March: 9:30am – 5:30pm
- Sundays: 1:30pm – 5:30pm
Entry: €3 for adults, €2.50 for students and seniors
The interior is absolutely stunning, with soaring vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. Don’t miss the museum inside, which houses an impressive collection of religious art and manuscripts. The tower offers brilliant views over the city, though there’s an additional fee for climbing up.
Alcázar of Segovia
This fairy-tale castle perched on a rocky outcrop is one of Spain’s most distinctive fortresses and reportedly inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. The Alcázar has served as a royal palace, state prison, and military academy throughout its history.
Opening hours:
- Daily: 10am – 6pm (April to September)
- Daily: 10am – 5pm (October to March)
Entry: €5.50 for the palace, additional €2.50 for the tower
The rooms inside are beautifully decorated with medieval tapestries, suits of armour, and ornate ceilings. The Throne Room is particularly impressive with its intricate Mudéjar ceiling. If you’re up for climbing 152 steps, the tower offers some of the best panoramic views in Segovia.
The castle sits at the confluence of two rivers, which creates a natural defensive position. The gardens around the base are lovely for a stroll and offer different perspectives of this architectural marvel.
Where to eat in Segovia
Segovia is famous throughout Spain for its cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), and there are several legendary restaurants where you can try this local speciality.
Mesón de Cándido
This is probably the most famous restaurant in Segovia, established in 1786 and located right by the aqueduct. The restaurant is known for its theatrical presentation – the owner traditionally cuts the suckling pig with a plate rather than a knife to demonstrate how tender the meat is.
The restaurant has hosted everyone from Spanish royalty to Hollywood stars, and the walls are covered with photos of famous visitors. Book ahead, especially at weekends, as it gets incredibly busy.
Restaurante José María
Another institution in Segovia, José María has been serving excellent roast meats since 1982. The atmosphere here is slightly more modern than Cándido, but the quality of the cochinillo is just as good.
They also do fantastic roast lamb (cordero) if you fancy something different, and their wine list features excellent selections from the nearby Ribera del Duero region.
Casa Duque
This family-run restaurant has been operating since 1895 and offers a more intimate dining experience. The cochinillo here is exceptional, and they also serve other traditional Segovian dishes like judiones de La Granja (large white beans) and ponche segoviano (a local sponge cake dessert).
The Jewish quarter
Segovia had a significant Jewish population during the Middle Ages, and you can still see remnants of this heritage in the old Jewish quarter near the Plaza del Corpus. The narrow, winding streets here are perfect for wandering and getting a feel for medieval Segovia.
The site of the old synagogue is now marked by a plaque on Calle de la Judería Vieja. While the original building is gone, the area still has that authentic medieval atmosphere that makes Segovia so special.
Churches worth visiting
San Martín church
This beautiful Romanesque church dates from the 12th century and sits in a lovely square surrounded by noble houses with impressive facades. The church has a distinctive tower and some well-preserved capitals on its columns.
The square itself (Plaza de San Martín) is one of the most atmospheric spots in Segovia, especially in the evening when the stone buildings are beautifully lit.
San Millán church
Located outside the old city walls, this Romanesque church is considered one of the finest examples of its style in Segovia. The exterior galleries with their carved capitals are particularly impressive, and it’s usually much quieter than the more central churches.
Walking the city walls
Parts of Segovia’s medieval walls are still intact, and you can walk along sections of them for great views over the surrounding countryside. The walls date back to the 11th and 12th centuries and originally enclosed the entire old town.
The best-preserved section runs from near the Alcázar towards the Puerta de San Andrés. It’s a lovely walk, especially in the late afternoon when the light is soft and golden.
Practical tips for visiting Segovia
The historic centre is quite compact, so you can easily see the main sights on foot in a day. Wear comfortable walking shoes as many of the streets are cobbled and can be uneven. If you’re visiting in summer, start early to avoid the worst of the heat and the tour groups that arrive from Madrid later in the morning. The city can get quite busy, especially at weekends.
Most museums and monuments close for lunch between 2pm and 4pm, so plan accordingly. Many restaurants also close between lunch and dinner service. For the best photos of the aqueduct, visit early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is most dramatic and there are fewer people around.
Where to stay in Segovia
If you’re planning to stay overnight, the Parador de Segovia offers luxury accommodation in a modern building with stunning views of the city and the Alcázar. It’s located just outside the historic centre but within easy walking distance. For something more intimate, Hotel Don Felipe sits right in the historic quarter near the cathedral, putting you within easy reach of all the main sights.
There are also several charming guesthouses and boutique hotels scattered throughout the old town, many housed in beautifully restored historic buildings. Segovia is one of those rare places where every corner seems to hold a piece of history, from Roman engineering marvels to medieval palaces. Take your time wandering the narrow streets – some of the best discoveries happen when you’re not following a map and simply let the city reveal its secrets to you.
