By Seb Jay
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 the old city of Segovia and its magnificent aqueduct can be found high up in the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains, about an hour's drive north of Madrid. It is an architectural time capsule spanning more than 2000 years of history. From the Romans, through the Knights Templars to the Renaissance Period, each has left their mark on Segovia, shaping the city into the grand gallery of buildings and monuments that make it such a favored attraction today.
The earliest piece of substantial architecture in protected Segovia is arguably its most impressive - the double-arched Roman Aqueduct. Standing tall at over 100ft above the ground the aqueduct dates back to the 1st Century AD, and was built to channel running water to the higher parts of town, and most importantly to the site of Segovia's Roman military headquarters. It is composed of over 20,000 stone blocks and is held together only by gravity and the precision placement of keystones along its 163 arches. This amazing feat of engineering is all the more remarkable when it is considered that the aqueduct has remained intact despite being subjected to storms and earthquakes for some 2000 years!
Following the line of the Roman aqueduct brings visitors to the medieval pièce de résistance - the 11th century Alcazar. The turreted castle, which takes on the form of a ship, has been a residence of kings and queens down the ages. Set high upon a rocky outcrop the Alcazar is an explorers' paradise too, the castle possessing a multitude of underground passageways that connect it with the river and other buildings in the city.
The 16th Century Gothic cathedral and the Church of Veracruz are also not to be missed on a visit to Segovia during the day. By nightfall, Segovia takes on a different atmosphere. Open air restaurants, music and the sounds of street theater fill the air. The city is an addictive cocktail of medieval adventure and romance that makes it difficult to leave.
Getting to Segovia
Segovia is easily accessible by road from Madrid. The A6 should be taken northwards from Madrid airport until exit 60 is reached. From here take route 603 northeastwards into Segovia. Car hire can be booked in advance for pick up at Madrid airport via http://www.your-carhire.com
About the Author: Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com
Source: www.isnare.com
