The Aqueduct of Segovia stands as a symbol of this captivating city located just an hour north of Madrid. It was built in the 1st C. and is a remarkably well preserved monument that is considered one of the Roman Empire’s most impressive works of engineering. The aqueduct cuts across the city and adjusts to the rolling landscape of the valley and hills of the 14 kms. it traverses. It carried water from the Frío River to Segovia and was in use until the middle of the 19th C.
The aqueduct is comprised of 166 stone arches on granite ashlars that are fit closely together with no mortar. The two-story arcades alter in height according to the contours of the landscape and it highest point it stands 28.5 meters tall. It is truly a remarkable sight to drive by it or stand at its base and wonder at the marvel of its construction and the fact that it has withstood the test of time for 20 centuries.
Both the Aqueduct and Segovia’s Old Town were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1985. Visitors who come to see the Aqueduct must also spend time visiting the narrow streets of the Old Town, the 16th C. Cathedral, and the 12th C. Alcázar that is perched high on a hilltop. It is said that the Alcázar was one of the inspirations for Disney’s Cinderella Castle.
Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on our Segovia tour, click here, and for information on all of our Madrid & Madrid Day Trip tours, click here.
Photo credit: Bernard Gagnon
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Located just an hour north of Madrid, the enchanting city of Segovia is a perfect day trip from Madrid. This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides visitors with a wide array of historic sites to see, including a Roman aqueduct built in the 1st C. that is considered one of the Roman Empire’s most impressive works of engineering, a 16th C. Gothic cathedral that was the last one built in Spain, and a 12th C. castle that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale.
Located just an hour north of Madrid, the enchanting city of Segovia is a perfect day trip from Madrid. This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides visitors with a wide array of historic sites to see, including a Roman aqueduct built in the 1st C. that is considered one of the Roman Empire’s most impressive works of engineering, a 16th C. Gothic cathedral that was the last one built in Spain, and a 12th C. castle that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale.