Segovia is a medieval village, located around 50 miles north-west
of Madrid and is the capital of the province of Segovia.
Segovia's old town and Roman aqueduct
are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on top of a long, narrow
promontory between the channels of the rivers Eresma and Clamores.
The aqueduct stands at the entrance of the historic section of
Segovia and was built at the end of 1st to early 2nd century
by the Romans during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula;
the aqueduct has become a symbol of the city. The Alcazar, or
castle-palace, is perched at the tip of the promontory and towers
over the countryside below. During the Middle Ages, the Alcazar
of Segovia was the favourite residence of kings of Castile, and
almost each king added new parts to the building, transforming
the original fortress. The church of Vera Cruz, beyond the Alcazar
and the city walls, was founded by the Knights Templar. It is
built in the circular style, a common design of the Templar.
The Cathedral of Segovia stands in the city's central plaza and
is considered Europe's last great Gothic cathedral.
|