Alcazar of Segovia

The Alcazar stands where the Eresma and Clamores rivers meet, on a spur of rock that narrows to a point, and its western end rises from the cliff like the prow of a ship. A fortress existed here in the twelfth century and it became a favoured royal residence of the Castilian kings; Isabella left it in 1474 to be proclaimed queen. A fire in 1862 destroyed the roofs, and the rebuilding added the steep slate spires that give it the fairy-tale outline it is known for and which are not medieval. Inside are Mudejar ceilings, a throne room, an armoury and the Hall of Kings with a frieze of Castilian monarchs. The Juan II tower can be climbed for the view over the town and the cathedral.

History

Like many Spanish fortresses it began as a Roman fort, of which little but the foundations remains, and it is first mentioned in 1120, some 32 years after the Christians took Segovia under Alfonso VI. In 1258, under Alfonso X, a thunderstorm set off a fire that wrecked several rooms and began centuries of rebuilding; from the 13th century it was a favourite residence of the Castilian kings, most of the present building went up under the House of Trastámara, and John II added the New Tower that now bears his name. The treasure of the Crown of Castile was kept in its Homage Tower, it later served as a state prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy, and since 1998 it has been a museum and military archive, at the western end of Segovia's old city, a World Heritage Site since 1985 (Wikipedia, Alcázar of Segovia).

What you'll find

• The prow silhouette - the western end rising from the rock point.
• The Mudejar ceilings - carved and gilded wooden coffering in the halls.
• The Hall of Kings - a frieze of Castilian monarchs around the room.
• The Juan II tower - a climb to a view over Segovia and the sierra.

When to go

Spring and autumn; Segovia is cold in winter and hot in July. The best exterior view is from the Eresma valley below or the Mirador de la Pradera. The castle closes late in summer and earlier in winter.

Good to know

The slate spires date from after the 1862 fire, so the famous outline is nineteenth century. The tower involves a narrow spiral stair of over a hundred and fifty steps. The castle is crowded at midday with coach groups.

Nearby

The Roman aqueduct and Segovia cathedral are in the old town; La Granja lies east.

Key facts