Castile and Leon
Segovia: A Fairytale Castle & Roman Aqueducts
The walled city of old-town Segovia is a fairytale-like town complete with a stunning castle and 2,000-year-old aqueducts — all an easy day trip from Madrid.
Getting There
An effortless escape from the capital
Segovia sits in the heart of the Castile and Leon region, roughly 90 kilometres northwest of Madrid. High-speed trains connect the two cities in under 30 minutes, making Segovia one of the most rewarding day trips from the Spanish capital. Buses and driving routes are equally straightforward, with the journey unfolding across the golden plains of central Spain.
Once you arrive, the compact old town is best explored on foot — its winding medieval streets reward those who wander without a fixed route.
Top Things to Do
Three landmarks you cannot miss
The Roman Aqueduct
Rising nearly 30 metres above the Plaza del Azoguejo, this 2,000-year-old engineering marvel was built without a drop of mortar. Its 167 granite arches have stood since the 1st century AD, and together with the Old Town it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Alcázar of Segovia
Perched on a rocky crag at the confluence of two rivers, this castle looks like it was lifted from a storybook. Its distinctive silhouette — said to have inspired Disney's Cinderella Castle — houses centuries of royal history, from medieval kings to the artillery academy.
Segovia Cathedral
Known as the "Lady of Cathedrals," this late-Gothic masterpiece dominates the Plaza Mayor. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it was one of the last great Gothic cathedrals constructed in Spain, with soaring vaults and a bell tower visible for miles.
Exploring Segovia on Foot
A walled city made for wandering
Segovia's Old Town is encircled by medieval walls, and its labyrinth of cobbled lanes, hidden plazas, and Romanesque churches rewards slow exploration. Start at the aqueduct and follow Calle Cervantes uphill through the old Jewish quarter, past the 12th-century Church of San Martín, until you reach the Plaza Mayor and the cathedral. From there, continue to the Alcázar for panoramic views over the Eresma and Clamores river valleys.
The entire walk from aqueduct to castle takes under an hour at a leisurely pace — but with so many cafés, pastry shops, and viewpoints along the way, you will want to take your time.
Nearby Destinations
Extend your journey through Castile and beyond
Plan Your Visit
Segovia's Old Town and Roman Aqueduct together hold UNESCO World Heritage status. The city is compact enough to explore in a single day, but an overnight stay lets you experience the old town after the day-trippers have gone — when the aqueduct is beautifully illuminated and the plaza restaurants fill with locals.