Segovia

Segovia and its aqueduct were registered as World Heritage sites in 1985. The aqueduct dates to 1008. It has a walled-in city atop a hill and an ancient stone aqueduct system elevated overhead. The aqueduct was built by Romans to bring water from springs in the mountains, seventeen miles to the town. Amazingly it stayed in operation until 1973.

It is truly a spectacular site and an engineering marvel. This world-famous structure is comprised of 166 arches. Segovia has many buildings dating back to the Late Middle Ages (11th and 12th centuries) and the Renaissance (16th century).

We departed from Madrid in a taxi that was ordered by the front desk manager at our hotel. Originally, we planned to take the high-speed train, but had to consider how much luggage and camera bags we were taking with us. Our hotel negotiated a flat rate of 100 euros, which was lower than the cost of train tickets.

The drive out of Madrid central led to a modern high-speed highway. Darcy and I arrived at our hotel in just one hour. Our hotel was located about a ten-minute taxi ride outside the walled-in city.

Photography tips:

Great photos need ideal lighting. Typically, the light at sunrise is the best. On my second morning in Segovia, I woke up at 5:30 am and gathered my cameras and tripod. I ask the front desk to call me a taxi. I had the taxi drop me off at the foot of the aqueduct near the main taxi stand. After surveying the area and looking for great spots to photograph the aqueduct, I decided to walk up the hilly road to the ancient, historic center of town. I searched side streets once I sensed that I climbed above the aqueduct. I found a spot that had a carved-out area for viewing the aqueduct. By the time I reached the viewing the sun had risen and there was a wonderful ambercolored light illuminating the aqueduct. The tripod was a crucial tool to stabilize my camera.

Where to Stay:

Parador de Segovia

This 4-star resort hotel is located three kilometers away from the historic center of Segovia.

The hotel is spacious with a terrific view of the historic city skyline. Our standard twin room was upgraded with a King bed and outdoor patio overlooking the historic city. Cost per night €148.

The hotel had spacious grounds and a large outdoor swimming pool. There was no gym or exercise equipment onsite. In the mornings I would take a long walk down the hill road leading down the main avenue leading to The hotel’s restaurant showcased true Segovia fare like:

• Cecina, Cantimpalos chorizo, Iberian ham, Monte Enebro cheese, and Escalona cheese- Small €8, Large €15

• Castilian garlic soup with roasted egg €14

• Cod and orange croquettes with spiced tomato (6-10 units) €8, €15

• Segovian suckling pig M.G. roasted in our oak wood oven * €29

Parador de Segovia

Carretera de Valladolid, s/n 40003 Segovia https://paradores.es/en/parador-de-segovia

Where to Eat:

There are several great restaurants in the historic city center. The most famous and adored is:

Jose Maria Restaurante

This iconic restaurant opened in 1982 and it has developed a serious reputation for its Segovia cuisine. Today the restaurant is run by José María Ruiz and his daughter Rocío.

Their specialty is Roast Suckling Pig. In 2018, they purchased their own farm Agrocorte Gourmet’ controlling all the steps to ensure that they were serving the best quality piglets in their restaurant. While the restaurant looks small from the front, they have eight different dining rooms.

José María Ruiz is also a professional Sommelier. The restaurant has an extensive wine list and amazing cellar that is visible from the dining room.

Top Dishes:

• Conchinillo: Suckling Pig Roasted in a Traditional Oven €29.50

• Roasted Suckling Lamp Chops with Fries €29.00

• Beef Sirloin with Foie Gras and Port wine sauce €30.00

Grilled Octopus with Paprika from La Vera, with Olive Oil €30.00

• Appetizer “Special” Sauteed Sweetbreads

The waiters at Jose Maria are true showmen, especially when it comes to plating the Suckling Pig after it is out of the traditional oven. Watching them slice the cooked pig with a plate, gives me vibes from “The Menu” movie.

JOSE MARIA RESTAURANT

Calle Cronista Lecea, 11

40001 Segovia https://www.restaurantejosemaria.com/

There are tons of attractions and activities to do in Segovia. When I was having coffee on our hotel outdoor patio, a hot air balloon graced the skies above.

For a list of things to visit: https://www.turismocastillayleon.com/en/art-culture-heritage/ provincial-capitals/segovia