Segovia Car Hire

Guide of Segovia

Geography

Segovia, located approximately 97 kilometres northwest of Madrid, the Capital of Spain, sits on the Iberian plateau which elevates the city well above sea level. The Sierra de Guadarrama Mountain range to the southeast serves as a back drop along with the agricultural fields, the two rivers, Eresma and Clamores, that coexist in perfect harmony with the Segovia historic buildings. Camino de Santiago, the iconic Pilgrimage walk has its origins in the early 9th century, when the tomb of St James the Great one of the 12 apostles and patron saint of Spain was discovered. Many Pilgrimage routes to travel the Camino de Santiago, to either touch the Cathedral of Santiago where the tomb is situated or to follow the entire path to the ‘edge of the world’ at the coast of Finisterre, are signed posted through France and Spain. One originates in Madrid, passes through Segovia, crosses the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountain range and finally connects with part of the French direction.

Climate in Segovia

Segovia’s location in northwest Spain combined with the geographical factors of the Iberian plateau rising 1000 metres above sea level in addition to the atmospheric effects from the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountain range and Mount Peñalara produces Segovia’s continental climate of cool winters with hotter summers, although the nights can be chilly. The middle of summer is a great time to visit. Summer months being, June to August, you have at least 15 hours of daylight with the sun rising around 6:43am and setting at about 9:52pm. Plenty of time for activities and fun. The summer daily high temperature is a comfortable 24°C, however in the hottest month, July, the average temperature range is 13°C to 28°C. The days are much shorter if visiting during the winter months, December to February, with a minimal 9 hours of daylight. Whilst the winter average daily high is around 11°C, in January, the middle of winter, the average ranges from -1°C to 7°C. The chance of precipitation in Segovia varies throughout the year. The wetter seasons tend to be Autumn and Spring in particular the months of May and October with more likelihood of precipitation, so pack an umbrella.

Culture

Political and economic prosperity in Segovia resulted out of a long well established past. Conquered by the Romans between 80 to 98 BC. The Moors, or Moroccans, occupied in the 8th century before the Christian King Alfonso VI recaptured Segovia in the 11th century. Jewish immigration in the 13th century, lead to the community congregating in what is now the older ancient walled Segovia upper part of town. Segovia’s older neighbourhoods, streets, ochre houses are socially structured in accordance with this social hierarchical differentiating cultural communities. The outstanding monuments in the city and surrounds, such as the Roman Aqueduct, are evidence of this cultural past. Segovia’s economic affluence is due to its locale. Positioned on trading routes, Segovia has a background in textiles, wool and flannel. In the 16th century, the flow of Segovia’s Eresma River powered the former Royal Mint of Spain, the country’s first mechanised factory. Agriculturally now the land is used for wheat, rye, barley, hemp, flax, vegetables, sheep, cattle, mules and pigs. Within the mountain region granite, marble and limestone are quarried in conjunction with forestry as sources of income.

Things To Do in Segovia

Segovia is a city full of history, culture and greenery, so it will be your decision where you start your discoveries, but here are some suggestions.

Aqueduct of Segovia

The imposing Aqueduct constructed by the Roman’s, possibly around the 1st century, to span the valley for the flow of water from the Frío River 17 kilometres from Segovia in the nearby mountains is breathtaking. The grandeur of the Aqueduct is immense with its single and double arches supported with imposing pillars. Approximately there are 167 arches constructed of stone blocks placed in formation without cement nor mortar, just innovative balance. As the arches disappear the water travels enclosed underground supplying the city. This sealed section or subterranean channel can be followed by searching out the marked bronze plaques inserted into the street pavements. The first plaque is at the beginning of Calle de Domingo de Soto, at Calle Seminario. Signposted plaques are weaved throughout the city. Plaque number 24 at Plaza la Rena Victoria Eugenia, the bridge entrance to the Alcazar, is the finale.

The Alcazar of Segovia

The Alcazar of Segovia is an impressive fortress come castle. Situated on a rocky perch provided the perfect location for defensive fortifications for the Romans, Moors and then Christians. Over the eras the occupation of the Alcazar has changed from fortress, royal palace, seat of parliament, state prison, Artillery college to Military Academy/Museum. In the early period the residents made alterations reflective of the period. What started as a wooden Roman fort was transformed by Emperor Alphonso VI to stone in 11th century and subsequent additions were made in the 13th, 16th and 19th centuries. Enter the Alcazar across a drawbridge over a moat you step into the castle’s large courtyard. Looking up at the fortified towers, they are deceptively narrow for what is hidden within and the spectacular view that is obtainable if you climb the stairs to the top. Alcazar’s halls and 9 rooms are lavishly decorated with a blend of Christian or Mudejar (Moor) influences, such as azulejos, carved arches and incredibly decorated ceilings. The Sala de Ios Reyes room contains 52 sculptures of the King’s who resided. As a Military Academy/Museum there are weapons, armour, maps and depictions of battles from all the ages.

Segovia landmarks

The Segovia churches and synagogues have a unique style, be it Romanesque, Gothic, built in different centuries under various commands, such as Romans, Moors or Jews. Wander through Segovia Cathedral in Plaza Major, the main square, to view 16th century chapels, paintings, sculptures and sarcophaguses. Igles de la Vera Cruz, a Romanesque church, positioned on a green hillside a brief walk from la Pradera de San Marcos is constructed with twelve sides, one for each apostle. A Romanesques influenced Moorish designed church, 10th century, with a beautiful bell tower is the Igesia de San Millan.

Segovia over the centuries was often besieged so in the 11th century, after the Christian retook the city from the Moors, King Alfonso VI built 3 kilometres of fortified wall to expand the town’s defences. The fortified wall is no longer complete however a small section at Puerta de San Andres with views across Clamores Valley to the Alcazar is accessible. Casa del Sol on the Segovia wall houses a museum with more than 1500 artefacts of Roman mosaics, religious sculptures, renaissance paintings and different era coins.

Roam through Segovia’s old city

Meandering along the succession of pedestrian streets it is a self guided tour of 15th to 16th century palaces, churches, seculars that lead into the Jewish Quarter. If you start at Calle de Cervantes you will pass street performers, local shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Popular outings with the locals are to the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, a grassy glade on the Eresma River. Picnicking, leisure activities and relaxing are the main motives. Visiting the Royal Palace of La Granja de San IIdefonso with its spectacular gardens, 10 kilometres southeast in the foothills of the mountains, is a wonderful way to immerse oneself in history as well as admiring the formal geometric style flowerbeds, hedges and ornate fountains.

Eating Out in Segovia

Renowned for Cochinillo or roasted suckling pig, people from all over Spain will travel to Segovia for a day just to saviour this delight. A 3 to 4 week old pig is roasted in a wood fired oven until the meat is tender and the skin crispy. Located on Plaza Mayor the creator and his namesake restaurant, Jose Maria Ruiz is famous for this experience. The slow cooking renders all the fat away so you receive tender meat with crispy skin which only needs the refreshment of a simple green salad.

If pig is not your preference, Cordero Lechal or suckling Lamb, is a perfect alternative and just as delicious. The Segovian rivers or lakes deliver another classic, Trucha a la Segoviana or Segovia Trout, which is trout cooked with Serrano ham inside and served on a layer of sliced potatoes. Judiones de la Granja are a Segovian local variety of white bean that are featured in stew recipes accompanied with chorizo and other meats. Segovia has a signature chorizo, Chorizo de Cantimpalo, made with pork meat, paprika, spices, cured then dried. Chorizo is often eaten as a snack as is or with bread. Clay pot cooking is essential in the cooler months, Sopa Castella, is a hearty as well as moreish casserole made of broth, garlic, bread, eggs, Serrano ham and spices.

Pastries are not forgotten with a classic such as Ponche Segoviano. A sponge cake filled in cream layers before being covered in marzipan, icing sugar and then decorated by an iron stick with its quintessential toasted diamond pattern. On Segovia’s Patron Saint Day, Saint Fruto 25th October, Florine’s are eaten which are crisp puff pastries shaped like flowers that have been given a hint of anise.

Whilst food is a focus, Segovia’s Castile and Leon region, Ribera del Duero, is celebrated for the wines it produces due to the climatic condition, windy cooler months, and arid terrain. The Tempranillo or red wine grape is very successful and worth sampling with one of your meals.

Segovian restaurants and bars have accompanying wine lists to complement your shared plates or mains. At Asador David Guijarro restaurant in the heart of the city centre, housed in a revitalised old whisky bar, honours a commitment to the land and food traditions within their 3-course set menu. Whilst the classics are available, alternatives such as peppers stuffed with vegetables topped with a zucchini cream and cod paired with a tomato coulis are also options.

How about dining with a view of the Segovian church steeples, tiled rooftops, framed by the Guadarrama mountains? At La Postal, just 2 kilometres, outside the city walls you will find a spacious dining facility with a spectacular view, a menu that is almost gluten free containing the classics but is inclusive of additional modern dishes with a twist. The staff are friendly and willing to assist with dietary restrictions. The tapas range covers all flavours from homemade pate, cured meats, cod dumplings to sautéed vegetables on a bed of cauliflower cream. The meat or fish mains can be coupled with a side dish such as, a simple salad, homemade potato chips or a chef salad of corn, peppers, egg, asparagus and olives.

Transport

To access Segovia, Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) is the closest main terminal. From Madrid there are three options of travelling to Segovia. At Moncloa Station, in north Madrid, the Avanzabus departs taking approximately 1 hour to reach Segovia’s city centre. The modern bus fleet services Segovia hourly and are equipped with a variety of comforts. From Madrid’s Chamartin Station the high-speed train departs and takes just over half an hour to travel to Segovia’s Guiomar Station which is located south of the city centre, so requires a 30-minute bus ride or taxi transit into the heart of town. Within Segovia, Urbano de Segovia operates the bus routes and there is the option of taxis. The town centre is designed to encourage a pedestrian friendly strolling culture. To explore the wonders of Madrid to Segovia, the highlights of the Ribera del Duero wine region, the Royal Palace of La Granja de San IIdefonso to your full advantage the convenience and flexibility of hiring a car is the best option.