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.

What you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.