Segovia Day Trip From Madrid

With a fantastic array of monuments from Roman, medieval, and Renaissance times, Segovia is one of the best-preserved historic cities in Castile. Its charming medieval streets and squares are dotted with Romanesque churches, Gothic private homes, and Renaissance palaces, earning it a place on the UNESCO Heritage list in 1985. Our Segovia day trip from Madrid, in the company of an expert guide, provides an excellent introduction to the many special cultural facets of this exceptional city.

Beginning with a bus ride from Madrid's Moncloa bus station, we will proceed directly to the base of the Roman aqueduct with a discussion of this structure, the best preserved example of its type, highlighting the skill of Roman engineers.

As we make our way towards the castle—known as the Alcazar—we will come across late Gothic palaces and squares, go past the city’s medieval grain depot, and learn about Segovia's tumultuous relationship with the Spanish crown, which resulted in the destruction of its cathedral and the foundation of the current one. The last great Gothic cathedral to be built in Europe, it houses a triptych by Ambrosius Benson and an important collection of Flemish tapestries, as well as Baroque altarpieces. As we reach the outside of the Alcazar, its fanciful reconstruction provides an opportunity to discuss the romanticized view of the Middle Ages and issues of conservation, while its commanding view of the plain below includes a Templar church and two important monasteries.

Segovia was once the seat of the royal court. It is historically tied to Isabella, the Catholic Monarch who, together with her spouse Ferdinand of Aragon, sponsored Christopher Columbus’s expedition to the Indies, as well as setting up the Inquisition. It was in this city that she was crowned Queen of Castile, and also where the headquarters of the Inquisition were set up.

After a short break to take in the views, we will make our way back through the Jewish neighborhood. The itinerary includes a stop in the church of Corpus Christi, the converted main Synagogue. After, we will assess the reuse of religious and lay buildings as we stroll through the once-gated Jewish quarter. 

If time allows, we could visit the 15th-century Clarissan convent of St. Antonio el Real, which features breathtaking Mudejar wooden carved and gilded ceilings, produced by Muslim craftsmen. Alternatively, we might visit the 12th-century church of San Justo and discuss its Romanesque frescoed and carved decoration.

How do we get there? 
You will meet in Madrid and take the bus with your expert. The journey is about 1 hour.

Can you focus in-depth on a specific area? 
We can potentially organize a private walk on a special theme. Please contact us for more information.

Can we arrange a private car instead of taking the bus? 
For private tours, sure. Just mention this in the notes section of the booking, and we'll get in touch with a quote.

Is this tour walking-intensive and/or wheelchair accessible? 
This tour is fairly walking-intensive, and the route may include narrow sidewalks and cobblestoned streets. Please contact us to discuss in more detail your mobility concerns so that we can best advise.