 Segovia was one of the most important outposts of the Roman expansion into the Iberian Peninsula. This is well demonstrated by the shear number of Roman ruins (and not so ruinous constructions) that are found here.
The aqueduct of Segovia is one of the crown jewels of Segovian, if not European, roman architecture with arches that soar high above the modern day streets. After some 2000 years, the arches are well preserved and breathtaking in their conception. The cars that pass below are in stark contrast to the modes of transport used in the time of its construction.
If its economic might we’re discussing, however, it was in the middle ages that Segovia reached its peak of splendour. After several centuries under Moorish control the Christians eventually retook the city and immediately began to assert their authority by constructing their symbols of power.
It was here that in 1474, Isabelle of Castille was crowned Queen before she, together with Fernando of Aragón, went on to unite the whole of the Iberian Peninsula beneath the Christian flag of Spain.
Segovia is an important historical city not only in terms of the magnificent buildings and monuments found here but also in terms of original documentary evidence of the reconquest of Spain and beyond.
In 1088, when the city was taken by Christian forces, it was repopulated by people from the lands of northern Spain. It was after this that it became a centre for the archiving of documents which are today kept in the Alhóndiga; a beautifully preserved 16th century ‘industrial’ building.
But in terms of architectural, historical and romantic interest, perhaps the three treasures of the Segovia skyline are the roman aqueduct, the 16th century Cathedral and the Alcázar.
The origins of the latter are lost in time but it has been added to by the various custodians of the city due to its highly advantageous strategic position.
The aqueduct is one of the finest examples of roman architecture in existence. The fact that it is more than 2000 years old is testament to the skill of the roman engineers.
Designed to bring water from the river Acebeda to the elevated part of the city, it reaches a height of 29 metres over the Plaza del Azoguejo. One of the notable features of its design is that no cement was used in its construction; it relies instead on a perfection of equilibrium between the structure and the weight of the granite blocks of which it is composed.
It runs for over 14,965 metres from beginning to end and has 166 arches. Watching the sun set through these ancient arches focuses the attention on the genius of the human animal, a genius that is amply displayed in Segovia.
Food for Thought:
Lamb and piglet are amongst the favourites in this part of the world. Roasted slowly over a natural fire, these dishes literally melt in the mouth.
From the rivers that run around Segovia, there is an abundant harvest of fish that includes trout. All of these dishes are accompanied with a huge variety of vegetables grown in the naturally fertile garden-lands outside of the city.
 Fiestas and Events:
Santa Águeda: 5th of February and all over the weekend
Carnival: Falls according to Semana Santa but usually at the end of February
Semana Santa: In March or April, according to the phase of the full moon
Castilla y Leon Day: 23rd April
San Juan and San Pedro: 22nd to 29th June. A brilliant bash.
Novena de la Fuencisla: End of September
San Frutos: 25th October
More information:
www.viasegovia.com
http://www.segoviaturismo.es/
http://www.segoviayprovincia.com/
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