Are you planning a trip to Segovia, but only have one day to explore this historic city? Don’t worry, in this guide, I will explain what to see in Segovia in one day. From the iconic Roman aqueduct to the stunning Alcázar castle, you won’t miss a thing.
As someone who has visited Segovia many times, I can confidently say that it is one of my favorite cities in Spain. Segovia is a city that has captured my heart with its rich history, stunning architecture, and unique culture.
So, grab your comfortable shoes and your camera, and get ready to discover the wonders of this historic city.
Table of contents
- Is it worth spending one day in Segovia?
- How to get to Segovia
- What to see in Segovia in one day?
- 1. Plaza del Azoguejo
- 2. Roman Aqueduct
- 3. Cathedral of Segovia
- 4. Alcázar of Segovia
- 5. Plaza Mayor
- 6. Casa de los Picos
- 7. Iglesia de la Vera Cruz
- 8. Jewish Quarter
- 9. Puerta de San Andrés
- 10. Iglesia de San Millán
- 11. Plaza Medina del Campo
- 12. Iglesia de San Esteban
- 13. Iglesia de San Clemente
- 14. Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos
- 15. La Granja de San Ildefonso
- Map of the best things to see in Segovia
- Explore Segovia with a guided tour
- What and where to eat in Segovia
- What is the best time of year to visit Segovia?
- Final words
Is it worth spending one day in Segovia?
Yes, it is definitely worth spending one day in Segovia.
The city offers many exciting and historic sights such as the famous Roman aqueduct and the beautiful Alcázar castle. Additionally, the charming streets of Segovia offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.
But it is not only important what to see in Segovia, but also the city’s excellent gastronomy. Segovia is famous for its traditional cuisine, which includes succulent roast suckling pig and tender roast lamb cooked to perfection in wood-fired ovens.
How to get to Segovia
Segovia is a city in central Spain, located just 60 miles northwest of Madrid. It is well connected to other parts of Spain and has a train station that offers frequent connections to Madrid by high-speed train, making it a convenient day trip destination.
Additionally, there are several bus companies that operate regular services to Segovia from Madrid and other nearby cities. Overall, getting to Segovia is relatively easy and convenient.
What to see in Segovia in one day?
To help you make the most of your one-day visit to this enchanting city, I have put together a list of my favorite 15 things to see in Segovia. Remember that the Segovia Tourist Pass allows you to enjoy discounts on attractions, accommodations, restaurants, shops, and much more.
1. Plaza del Azoguejo
When talking about what to see in Segovia, the Plaza del Azoguejo is my number 1, as this square located at the foot of the famous aqueduct is often used as a starting point for tourists who are exploring the city.
Its central location and the restaurants and cafes around make it a popular spot also for locals to gather and socialize.
2. Roman Aqueduct
No trip to Segovia is complete without seeing the iconic Roman aqueduct. This impressive structure dates back to around the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world.
It stands at a height of 28.5 meters and spans over 15 km, of which 1 km is made up of 167 arches. The about 25,000 granite blocks used in the construction were held together without any mortar. They were raised using ropes and the blocks were bound together due to the ingenious equilibrium of forces.
3. Cathedral of Segovia
Next on my list of what to see in Segovia in one day is the stunning Cathedral of Segovia. It is considered an architectural masterpiece and is known as “The Lady of Cathedrals” due to its grandeur and harmony in dimensions.
The cathedral is home to many impressive artworks and artifacts, including the Chapels of El Santisimo Sacramento and San Andres. The bell tower is a privileged sightseeing point in the city.
4. Alcázar of Segovia
The Alcázar of Segovia is a fairy-tale castle that sits on a hill overlooking the city. It was originally built as a fortress in the 12th century and has since been used as a royal palace, a prison, and a military academy. Its design inspired Walt Disney’s vision of the famous Snow White castle.
I strongly recommend you climb the 152 narrow steps to the top of the tower due to the magnificent views of the city, the church of Vera Cruz, and the El Parral monastery. This is one of the best things to do in Segovia.
5. Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is the heart of Segovia’s old town and a great place to take a break and taste some Spanish tapas.
This charming square is surrounded by historic buildings like the Cathedral, the San Miguel Church, the Juan Bravo Theater, and the town hall.
6. Casa de los Picos
The Casa de los Picos is a unique building in Segovia that is famous for its facade, which is covered in diamond-shaped stone blocks. It was built in the 15th century and has served as a residence, a prison, and a school.
Casa de los Picos is one of my favorite places to explore and must be on this post about what to see in Segovia in one day.
7. Iglesia de la Vera Cruz
Located on the outskirts of Segovia, the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz is a small church that is known for its unique circular design.
It was built in the 13th century by the Knights Templar and is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture, which sets it apart from other churches in Segovia. It is inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
8. Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter is a historic neighborhood in Segovia that dates back to the Middle Ages.
The Jews of Segovia were accused of trying to desecrate a sacred form inside the Sinagoga Mayor and they were forced to live in a specific part of the city until the expulsion decree dictated by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492.
The Jewish Quarter is perfectly preserved and it features narrow streets and charming buildings.
9. Puerta de San Andrés
The San Andres Gate is one of the main gateways into Segovia’s historic city center, and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate details. This medieval gate has survived countless battles and sieges throughout its history.
The city walls of Segovia once protected the city from invaders and today offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich past.
10. Iglesia de San Millán
It is one of the most important temples in Segovia, with a beautiful tower built in the 11th century. Inside, it is worth contemplating the Romanesque-style main altar.
It may not be one of the most visited attractions but in my opinion, it is a hidden gem, so I always recommend including it on the list of things to see in Segovia in one day.
11. Plaza Medina del Campo
The Medina del Campo Square offers a glimpse into daily life in Segovia.
It is also home to several important landmarks, including the Church of San Martín, the Torreón de Lozoya, an emblematic building that was built for defensive purposes, and several Renaissance mansions from the 16th century.
12. Iglesia de San Esteban
The arcade and the tower were declared National Monument in 1896. This church stands out for its beautiful tower of 56 meters, the highest of this style in the Iberian Peninsula.
If you are interested in history, art, or architecture and searching for what to see in Segovia in one day, don´t miss this historic building.
13. Iglesia de San Clemente
The San Clemente Church is another beautiful church in Segovia that is worth a visit. It was built in the 12th century and features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its excellent state of preservation allows us to admire its architecture, and it is especially beautiful at night.
14. Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos
I also recommend visiting the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, close to the Vera Cruz Church, a scenic viewpoint that offers stunning views of the Alcázar.
It is a great place to snap some photos and finish your day trip to Segovia.
15. La Granja de San Ildefonso
Finally, if you are traveling to Segovia from Madrid by car, a visit to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso is a must. It is located close to Segovia and it is a convenient stop for those traveling between the two cities.
This magnificent palace was built in the 18th century for King Philip V of Spain and features stunning gardens, fountains, and sculptures, as well as an impressive collection of paintings, tapestries, and porcelain.
The palace, its gardens, and the stunning views of the surrounding landscape make it a must-see spot for those visitors searching for what to see in Segovia.
Map of the best things to see in Segovia
To help you plan your visit to Segovia, here is a map highlighting the top attractions and landmarks in the city:
Explore Segovia with a guided tour
If you want to discover what to see in Segovia in a more guided and structured way, there are several options for guided tours available.
One of the most popular options is the free walking tours of Segovia, which are conducted by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. These tours usually last around two hours and cover the main highlights of the city, including the Roman aqueduct, the Cathedral, and the Alcázar.
Another popular option is to take a guided tour from Madrid, which includes transportation to and from Segovia, as well as a guided tour with a local expert of the city’s top attractions. These tours are a convenient way to visit Segovia, especially if you are based in Madrid.
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Segovia Free Tour
✔️ Duration: 1h and 45min
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What and where to eat in Segovia
I know that this post is about what to see in Segovia in one day, but visiting Segovia is not just about sightseeing, but also about discovering its rich gastronomy.
Trust me, it is definitely worth trying the local specialties. One of the most famous dishes is the roast suckling pig, known as “cochinillo”. Another popular dish is “judiones de la Granja”, a stew made with large white beans from the nearby town of La Granja. For dessert, you can’t miss the traditional “Ponche Segoviano”, a sweet cake made with marzipan and cream.
There are many places to eat in Segovia, from traditional taverns to more modern restaurants. Some of my favorite spots are the José María, Mesón de Cándido, and El Bernardino restaurants.
What is the best time of year to visit Segovia?
In my opinion, the best time of year to visit Segovia is during the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be very hot and crowded, while winter can be colder and days are shorter.
Final words
Segovia is a city with a rich history and culture. From the iconic Roman aqueduct to the Alcázar castle, there is something for everyone in this enchanting city.
I hope this post about what to see in Segovia in one day has helped you plan your trip to Segovia and make the most of your time there.
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