Segovia, in the region of Castile and Leon, is situated in Central Spain, about 50 miles North West of Madrid. The city is a combination of Moorish, Roman, Jewish and Christian culture. Its wealth of ancient monuments led to Segovia being declared a "Heritage of Mankind" by UNESCO in 1985.
The major feature of the city is a two-tiered aqueduct, which is said to be the best preserved in Europe. It was built by the Romans during their occupation of Segovia in the 1st century AD.
Another attraction for visitors is the medieval "Ancient Town" which is a maze of cobbled lanes, mansions, gardens, and sculptures.
Segovia is also home to the "Alcazar", originally a 12th century Moorish fortress. This was the location from where Queen Isabella agreed to sponsor the 15th century expeditions of Christopher Columbus. The structure has been substantially altered over the centuries and can now be easily recognised as the inspiration for the castles in Walt Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and "Cinderella". The building is now a military museum, but visitors can still tour the luxurious royal apartments.
The city has many notable Romanesque churches, including The Church of the True Cross, a 12-sided church built by the Knights Templar in the 11th Century. The culture of the city is also well-documented by the numerous museums which outline the story of the city's heritage and have extensive displays of Glass, Tapestry, Fine Art and Ceramics.
Segovia is host to many attractions and festivals throughout the year. Music, dancing, puppet theatre, literary, cultural and religious events are all on offer. There is also a choice of cafes, live music bars, taverns, fine restaurants and lively nightspots.
Local produce is used in the preparation of many of the region's traditional dishes. Highly acclaimed specialities include roast pork and lamb, Castellana soups and bean stews.
The average summer daytime temperature in Segovia is 70°F.The high altitudes, which give rise to cold winters, are ideal for winter sports. Facilities are also available for cycling, horse-riding, golf, hiking and bird-watching.
For those who wish to make Segovia their base for touring the area there are frequent bus services to nearby towns and cities such as Madrid (1.5hrs), Coca (1hr), and Avila (1hr).
