Alcázar of Segovia (Segovia Castle), Segovia

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Alcázar of Segovia (Segovia Castle), Segovia

Alcázar of Segovia (Segovia Castle), Segovia (must see)

The Segovia Castle rises like something from a legend, perched on a rocky promontory where the rivers Eresma and Clamores meet. Its slate-covered turrets and sharp spires give it a silhouette so striking that it is often said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. But long before fairy tales, the site likely began as a Roman fort, and by the 12th century—after Segovia was reconquered by Alfonso VI—it had already become one of Castile’s most important royal residences.

Through the centuries, the fortress grew into a palace of power. Alfonso X lived here in the 13th century, Henry IV gave it Gothic embellishments in the 15th, and in the 16th century its chapel hosted the marriage of Philip II and Anne of Austria. Yet perhaps its most defining moment came in 1474, when Isabella the Catholic was proclaimed Queen of Castile within its walls. This event not only secured her throne but also paved the way for the unification of Spain and the beginnings of its global empire. Visitors today still stand in the Throne Room and imagine the weight of that decision echoing beneath its gilded ceiling.

The castle has always been both fortress and stage. Its thick walls provided refuge in turbulent times, while its ornate halls displayed the wealth and prestige of the Castilian crown. From the Hall of Kings lined with portraits to the Sala de la Galera with sweeping valley views, the palace blends military might with royal grandeur. Climbing the Tower of Juan II offers another perspective—panoramic views of Segovia, the cathedral dome rising nearby, and the Castilian plains stretching into the horizon.

Walking through it one senses its dual identity: a stronghold that guarded the kingdom and a palace that witnessed coronations, marriages, and moments that shaped Spain’s destiny. It remains a place where history and imagination intertwine, leaving every visitor with the sense of stepping into both a legend and a nation’s past.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Segovia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Alcázar of Segovia (Segovia Castle) on Map

Sight Name: Alcázar of Segovia (Segovia Castle)
Sight Location: Segovia, Spain (See walking tours in Segovia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Segovia, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Segovia

Create Your Own Walk in Segovia

Creating your own self-guided walk in Segovia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Segovia Introduction Walking Tour

Segovia Introduction Walking Tour

They say the aqueduct of Segovia was built by the Devil himself. Allegedly, a woman grew tired of carrying water uphill and turned to an unusual “architect” for help. The deal they struck was rather competitive: the Devil would claim her soul only if he completed the aqueduct before dawn. He failed, leaving a gap in the structure that remains to this day.

Segovia’s name is thought to...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Segovia's Historical Churches Walking Tour

Segovia's Historical Churches Walking Tour

Nestled within the enchanting confines of Segovia, a treasure trove of ecclesiastical splendor awaits the discerning eye. Revered as architectural marvels, the historical churches of this illustrious city stand as testaments to the ingenuity of human craftsmanship and the enduring power of faith.

Dominating the skyline with regal grandeur, Segovia Cathedral (Catedral de Segovia), an opus of...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

For centuries, an exquisite blend of medieval allure and cultural significance has beckoned visitors to Segovia's Jewish Quarter. The undulated shape and seven gates of this storied area set it apart from the rest of the city.

Beyond the boundaries of the Quarter, the majestic Gate of Saint Andrew (Puerta de San Andrés) serves as one of the access points to both the walled city of Segovia...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles