Belmonte castle in Cuenca
Comprising three squares buildings, the Belmonte Castle is the quintessence of what a castle should be like. The three buildings form a courtyard in the
Alcazar de Segovia in Spain
The Alcazar de Segovia is one Segovia´s top attractions. Segovia, 1 hour drive north-west of Madrid, is a mid-sized city which offers amazing heritage and excellent gastronomy. The Alcazar de Segovia is amongst the most visited attractions in Spain.
Average customer review Score for Alcazar de Segovia
9.2
Alcazar de Segovia visitors guide
History of the Alcazar de Segovia
The Alcazar was a royal residence until 1570. Isabella set out from here in 1474 to be crowned Queen of Castile. Philip II celebrated his marriage to Anne of Austria in the castle.
In the 16C it was a state prison, where important persons were detained. The alcázar is strategically positioned at the confluence of the Eresma and the Clamores rivers.
Little is known of its origins, which are thought to go back to the post-Roman period.
It was enlarged by Alfonso VII 1122-55. Alfonso X, the Wise, opened the Romanesque double-arched windows with Mudéjar paintings in the façade of the old palace. In the 15C the family of Trastamara made Segovia one of its favourite cities.
The alcázar was completely rebuilt under Juan II, who made splendid rooms, such as the N. hall (a large rectangular room), and La Galera, El Solio and Las Pinas, as well as the furnishing of these and the older rooms of Los Reyes, El Cordón, El Tocador de la Reina and the chapel.
In the chapel the lovely glass windows were designed by the local artist Muñoz de Pablos, who also painted the enormous wall painting of the coronation of Isabella the Catholic in the Salón de la Galera. The lavishly decorated keep also dates from this time. Philip II had the slate roofs, the Herrera-style (the same used for the El Escorial monastery) inner courtyard, the entrance portal and the enormous Habsburg escutcheone built. In the 18C Charles III installed the Artillery Academy here.
In 1862 the alcázar de Segovia was destroyed by fire. A.Bermejo’s reconstruction of 1882 further enhanced the silhouette of the old palace. The fortress now serves as a military archive and houses an armaments museum with weapons from the 15-18C
Getting to the Alcazar from the aqueduct and back
The Alcazar is located at the end of the old part of Segovia (this makes sense due to its strategic location). You could reach the Alcazar by car, though we would not recommend this since the streets are very narrow and you will not be able to park once you get there. But in case you travel with handicapped people or simply people that get tired walking a drop off and pick-up from the Alcazar is possible.
If you walk from the aqueduct you should estimate 30 minutes of very interisting walk, though it will probably end up being more if you are a curious traveller. Our recommended option is to walk through Calle Juan Bravo (where you will find some fantastic buildings like La casa de los Picos, or the church de san Martin) Head till you reach the beautiful Plaza Mayor (one of our favorite Plazas in Spain) and then continue to the cathedral and from there follow La Calle del Marqués del Arco till you reach the Alcazar.
On your way back you may decide to return to the aqueduct by either the Knights district (Our recommended itinerary) through Plaza de San Esteban or take the Ronda de Don Juan and visit the Jewish quarter in Segovia. Both options are interesting and similar in terms of walking effort.
Is it worth visiting the Alcazar de Segovia
This is always a subjective question. However, if you enjoy views, the Tower de San Juan II inside the Alcazar offer breath-taking views of the city and mountains and you will enjoy truly epic panoramic views. If you enjoy castle and medieval history this is also a must for you.
Time needed to visit the Alcazar de Segovia
You should estimate 1 hour to 1,5 hours to visit the Alcazar de Segovia. There are lots of stairs to climb and despite it is not exhausting this should be bore in mind.
Opening hours of the Alcazar de Segovia
The Alcazar is openend from 10:00 to 20:00 from April till end of Octobr and from 10:00 till 18:00 the remaining part of the year.
It does not open on December 24th and 25, 31st and 1st of January and 5th and 6th of January
Alcazar de Segovia Guide tours
Is it worth taking a guided tour? If you have limited time, you stay in Madrid and want to enjoy an easy day a guided tour is probably a very good option. Some of the tours that departure from Madrid include tickets to the Alcazar. Check-out what exactly the tours include and much time to visit you will have.
If you stay in Segovia a guided tour of the Alcazar might not be the best idea. We would consider a tour of the city as the best option, and a visit to the Alcazar by yourselves.
Recomended itinerary to the Alcazar de Segovia
Alcazar de Segovia video
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