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 Segovia - Roman GeniusPhotos by Eugene Khoo and Jeffrey Chok Segovia is situated on a rock between two rivers, the Eremes and the Clamores. It has been inhabited for a very long time. Around the first century AD, the Romans arrived in Spain and Segovia became an important Roman military installation. Later, in the 1088 Alfonso VI resettled the Segovia area, building walls and gates. The city walls are still visible today and three of the five gates still exist. Segovia has many Roman influences no doubt due to its long history as a major Roman military installation. In fact, Segovia has the largest concentrations of Romanesque churches in all of Europe.
Later, we head over to the aqueduct. At first, we didn't know where to go so stayed some distance away in order to photograph this amazing feat of Roman technology but later, we got to the base of the Aqueduct. The Aqueduct is almost three thousand feet long (almost a kilometer) and about nine hundred feet of the aqueduct possesses two levels. The surprising bit is that is entire structure is built from rough hewn granite blocks WITHOUT mortar or clamps. Honestly, I was a bit worried standing under it but I think if it has been standing since the first century, I reckon it continue to stand for the next twenty minutes I'm under it. Soon, we find a way up the side and manage to get to the level of the aqueduct itself. Another surprising fact is that the aqueduct, which was originally built to carry water from the Frío river about ten miles or sixteen kilometers away is still in use today!
After admiring the aqueduct, we head for the central area of every Spanish town, the central plaza, or the Plaza Mayor. Right next to the Plaza Mayor is the Segovia Cathedral. The original Cathedral was built close to the Alcazar but later was rebuilt at its current location. It's architect was Juan Gil de Ontanon who also built the Cathedral Salamanca. The Cathedral was closed that day so we didn't go in but walked around it.
After our brief visit to Segovia, I can't help but feel that time ran out on us and someday, we'll managed to spend more time in this historical town.
How to get there:
Related Links: During the day, Eugene works for a Fortune 50 computer company. Otherwise, he's off traveling some where in search of good food or photos. His time is divided (in any order) between the most special person in the world, photography, his two dogs, gardening, WebAperture - The World's friendliest Photo Forumtm, his Church's Website, and trying to achieve his goal in life of seeing the world before he is 45. He also frequently thinks that he's a world class photographer.
 © 2001 Eugene Khoo.
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Happenings
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It's our last full day in Spain, and we're feeling a bit depressed probably because we would soon be leaving the
beautiful Spain. As a remedy, we decide to make a day trip to Segovia, about sixty miles north of Madrid. We
set off on an early gray morning and instead of taking the tunnel that travels under the Guadarrama Mountains,
we decide to take the longer mountain road which is much more scenic. Even in April, the temperature starts
to drop as soon as the attitude increases and we pass large green meadows with black Iberian bulls.
After about two hours, we get into Segovia and the first sight that greets us the the magnificent work of
Roman ingenuity, the Aqueduct of Segovia.
Despite it's great importance during the medieval times since the Romans, Segovia's population hasn't really
grown. It has remained around 50,0000 but don't forget that just a short drive south is Madrid with it's
four million people. Nowadays, tourists come by the busload and flock to this beautiful town owing to it's
proximity to Madrid but also to UNESCO declaring Segovia a World Heritage city in 1985.
It is unfortunate that we have such a short time in such a wonderful town (then again, I find these small
Spanish towns irresistible) so we head straight for the Alcazar. It is said that the Alcazar inspired Walt
Disney to create the castles of Disney World. The Alacazar sits near the junction of the two rivers and
on an elevated promontory. It cuts a magnificent profile with its gabled roofs, turrets and crenellations,
looking very much like a castle out of a fairy tale. Despite the looks however, and although Segovia
always had a fortified castle since the middle ages, the current structure doesn't really have much
military value since it was rebuilt after the fire of 1862. We pay the entry fee and climb the long
flight of stairs to the top of the tower. I know it's not going to be easy but I highly recommend
you take this climb. You'd be rewarded with a magnificent view of Segovia and the surrounding
Guadarrama mountains.
Within the Alcazar is a museum that is worth a visit. Some of the exhibits contained within include
weapons and armor through the medieval ages, tapestries (including one of Queen Isabelle), ordinary
everyday objects and more. Scattered throughout this Castle-Museum include suits of armor. You'll
also find some excellent stain glass windows that are easily accessible and easily photographed.
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