Free walking tours in Segovia and what to see

Must-sees

The Roman aqueduct is the first thing you see on arrival, in the Plaza del Azoguejo. It’s made of granite blocks laid without mortar and has stood for some two thousand years. From there, Calle Real climbs through the old town to the Plaza Mayor and the late Gothic cathedral, often called the lady of cathedrals.

At the other end of town, on a rock between two rivers, stands the Alcázar. Inside it has halls with coffered ceilings and a tower with views of the Guadarrama mountains. On the way you’ll pass Romanesque churches such as San Martín and San Millán, and the Casa de los Picos, with its façade of pointed stones. Below, by the Eresma river, is the twelve-sided church of the Vera Cruz.

Free tours and guided visits

Segovia’s free tour usually starts at the aqueduct and ends at the Alcázar, passing the Casa de los Picos, the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral and the Jewish quarter. The guide explains how the aqueduct was built and Segovia’s role in the history of Castile, since Isabella the Catholic was proclaimed queen here. It lasts about two hours and you tip what you like.

A guided visit to the Alcázar and the cathedral is worth it. Many travellers come from Madrid on a day trip, often combined with Ávila or Toledo. If you have time, go to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, with its gardens and fountains, or to Pedraza, a walled medieval village. Food is part of the trip too: roast suckling pig is the local dish.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the main sights: the aqueduct, the old town, the cathedral and the Alcázar. If you stay a night, you’ll see the city lit up and can walk down to the viewpoints and the Vera Cruz in the morning. With a second full day you can go to La Granja or Pedraza. From Madrid, the high-speed train takes less than half an hour.

Where to stay

The old town, between the aqueduct and the Plaza Mayor, is the best area to stay. You’re close to everything and the streets are quiet at night. The area around the Azoguejo, by the aqueduct, is practical if you arrive by bus. Bear in mind that the high-speed station is on the outskirts and you’ll need a bus or taxi to reach the centre.