Segovia in 2 Days: everything you need to know
If you are looking forward to visiting Segovia and you only have 2 days, here is an itinerary of what you can't miss
Famous worldwide for its aqueduct, which dates back to Roman times, Segovia is a city full of attractions. If you have 2 days to visit it, don't worry, here I'll give you a hand so you can enjoy all its beauty to the fullest. From its ruins from prehistoric times, its Alcazar and the monumental Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, to the curious house of the peaks, Segovia is full of picturesque corners.
A city where time seems not to have passed, its walls and towers give it a medieval air that conquers all its visitors. Located northwest of the Spanish capital, in the autonomous community of Castilla y León, Segovia is a jewel worth discovering. You will see that there is a lot to see and do in Segovia in 2 days, so wear comfortable shoes, because everything here is done on foot. Here we go!
Day 1: Roman Aqueduct, Jewish Quarter, Casa de los Picos, Plaza Mayor and Segovia Cathedral
Start your first day with a nutritious breakfast at Tradicionarius, right in the center of Segovia, next to the aqueduct. You will find that the city is very easy to get around, you can practically reach everywhere on foot.
Take a self-guided tour of Segovia
Segovia can be visited in a short time, since it is not a large city, so if you have 2 days, I guarantee that you will be able to make the most of your time. Although you can visit all its attractions on your own, a very good option is to hire a self-guided tour. It's very simple, you just have to download an audio guide on your smartphone, which will propose a tour of the main points of interest of the city, and in each of them you can listen to your explanation.
Visit the impressive aqueduct of Roman origin
If you prefer, on the other hand, to tour on your own, you should start with one of the icons of the city, the aqueduct of Segovia. It is believed that its construction dates back to the second century A.D., due to the type of structure and its similarity to other works made by the Roman Empire in that period.
You will be able to see its impressive structure, which was built without any mortar to join the huge stones. A work of engineering based on balance and millimetric calculation, which is truly amazing. It was created to distribute the water coming from the mountains to the whole city. Its 167 arches give it a colossal image.
Legend has it that the aqueduct was built in a single night, by the devil himself. At the top of San Juan Street, at the foot of the aqueduct, a curious sculpture of a jocular devil taking a selfie has been erected. You can't pass by and not imitate him.
Visit the Casa de los Picos de Segovia (House of the Peaks of Segovia)
Less than a 10-minute walk from the aqueduct, you'll come across the famous Casa de los Picos. Built in the 15th century, it is a typical Segovian house, with the particularity of presenting ornaments in the shape of a beak or diamond along its entire facade.
It is a work of great architectural beauty that has already become a classic corner of the city. You cannot visit Segovia and not miss it, its medieval style attracts tourists from all over the world who come every day to take a few pictures. Since 1977 a school of arts has been operating here, so you will always find interesting exhibitions, samples and workshops.
Take a stroll through the traditional Jewish quarter of Segovia: La Judería (the Jewish quarter)
Almost next to the Casa de los Picos is the beginning of the Jewish quarter of Segovia. La Judería extends from the back of the Cathedral to the Puerta de San Andrés. Formerly, the Jewish quarter was closed by seven arches, forming a sort of ghetto. Today it has been integrated into the rest of the city.
It is worth mentioning that the presence of the Jewish community is almost null in Segovia, since, with the advent of the Christian kings, the few Jews who lived in the city were expelled, and their synagogues destroyed or converted into churches.
La Judería is today a neighborhood full of remnants of other times, located in the historic center of Segovia, where some of its most notable buildings date from the fifteenth century. It is worth walking through its medieval streets and let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere, you will have the feeling of walking out of time.
Visit the imposing Cathedral of Segovia
Located just a 5-minute walk away is another of Segovia's architectural, cultural and religious landmarks, the Cathedral. Of marked late Gothic style, but with a Renaissance air, the Cathedral is one of the essential visits of any tour of the city of Segovia. Its full name is Santa Iglesia Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y de San Frutos, although it is also known as "The Lady of the Cathedrals", due to its majesty.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, its construction took place during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and it is precisely for this reason that it has architectural features typical of the Renaissance period, after the Gothic. Inside you can enjoy an important collection of works of art, from its Flemish tapestry room to its section dedicated to works by Sánchez Coello.
You will not believe the beauty of the light entering through its Flemish stained glass windows. A unique place for believers and non-believers alike. Of course, as you only have 2 days, always remember to check the opening hours of the Cathedral of Segovia before your visit, so you can better plan your itinerary and not waste time queuing unnecessarily.
End the day having dinner at the Plaza Mayor
A few meters from there is the epicenter of the city of Segovia, the Plaza Mayor. Here you can take a break and enjoy a drink, tapas or dinner in an unbeatable setting. Around the square you will find a large number of bars, cafes and restaurants, with outdoor terraces.
The Plaza Mayor has the Town Hall of Segovia on one side, and the traditional Juan Bravo Theater on the other, which was built in 1917.
I suggest that to end this first day, you treat yourself to dinner at the restaurant La Taurina, which is located in front of the square. One of the best places in Segovia to taste the most delicious meats and other options, with a first class quality.
Day 2: San Millán Church, San Andrés Gate, Royal Mint Museum, King's Gardens and Alcázar of Segovia
Start this second and last day in Segovia with a delicious breakfast at La Flor de América coffee and tea shop, one of the best in town. Located just around the corner from the Jardinillos San Roque, on Santo Tomas Street, No. 2, here you can delight yourself with some of their exquisite handmade pastries and their many varieties of tea and coffee.
Visit the Romanesque Church of San Millán
Just 200 meters from there you will find the Romanesque Church of San Millán, another of Segovia's must-see sights. It was built in the 12th century and preserves a sober style with a medieval appearance on the outside. It was declared a National Monument in the early twentieth century.
Although its interior does not have great art galleries or sculptures like the Alcazar or the Cathedral, the building itself is a jewel, and part of the architectural and cultural heritage that the city treasures.
Walk through the Puerta de San Andrés
Walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Puerta de San Andrés, one of the three access gates to the city that are still standing today. It is definitely one of the top 10 activities to do in Segovia with children, since it gives the feeling that you have gone back in time, to the era when knights in armor roamed here.
Do not miss to climb its two towers, from the top you can enjoy incredible views of the city and the Clamores River, one of those that cross the city. You will be able to appreciate the beautiful walls that protected Segovia from possible attacks. Nowadays, the Cebrián and Santiago gates are also preserved, and although they are not as picturesque as the San Andrés gate, they are in a good state of preservation.
Enjoy the views from the viewpoint of the wall
But if you are looking for good panoramic views, you must go up to the viewpoint of the wall. Located 5 minutes walk from the Puerta de San Andrés, there is no better place to appreciate all the beauty of the Cathedral of Segovia, "The lady of cathedrals". Also from here you will be able to appreciate a good part of the city
Segovia has different viewpoints, located in different elevated points of the city, and all of them are worth the climb. The viewpoint of the Alcazar and the two valleys, the viewpoint of the meadow of San Marcos, the viewpoint of the Aqueduct and the viewpoint of the valley of the river Clamores, among many others. Segovia has so much beauty that from each of them you can enjoy a different and unique spectacle.
Visit the Royal Mint Museum and the Jardines del Rey (King's Gardens)
Located on the way to the Alcázar, in the Eresma Valley, the Royal Mint Museum of Segovia is a beautiful building next to the river, where the old hydraulic presses used to print coins are preserved. It is also an important part of the **city'**s industrial heritage, since the building is one of the oldest in Spain.
Outside are the Jardines del Rey (King's Gardens), designed together with the building by Juan de Herrera, so that Philip II could walk and enjoy nature. The place is ideal for walking among the lush vegetation, while appreciating the Alcazar, located a few meters from there.
Discover the charm of the Alcazar of Segovia
Visit the most important monument of the city. Built on top of a huge rock, the Alcazar of Segovia was originally a defensive fortification, and later transformed into a royal palace. Inside you will have the chance to appreciate the work on walls and ceilings, with a truly amazing level of detail.
Residence of a large number of kings, including Isabella the Catholic, who was named queen in this city. The state of conservation of the building is absolute, here you can even see various pieces of furniture used by royalty over the centuries, tour the halls, enjoy works of art, armor and much more.
It is one of the most visited monuments in Spain, and has even been used by Disney as a model for some of his films. Remember that you can book your tickets for the Alcazar of Segovia in advance online, so you can skip the lines and access the site directly.
Say goodbye to Segovia with a traditional dinner
You can't say goodbye to the city without enjoying the most typical Segovian food. For this, I suggest you have dinner at the José María Restaurant. Located behind the Cathedral of Segovia, this is one of the best places to try traditional flavors with an innovative flair. Its roast suckling pig is delicious and is part of the cultural-gastronomic heritage of Segovia.
Knowing the gastronomy of a place or a region is to delve into the history, heritage and the most characteristic features of their community. We encourage you to learn more about the gastronomy of Segovia and the region of Castilla y León, you will not regret it.
That's all for this time. I hope you found this article useful and that you enjoy your 2 days in Segovia to the fullest. As you will see, the city has everything for you to have a great time, see you next time!