Aqueduct of Segovia, Segovia (must see)
The Aqueduct of Segovia is more than a Roman relic; it is the lifeline that defined the city for centuries. Built in the late 1st or early 2nd century AD, it carried water from the Fr铆o River, some 17 kilometers away, into Segovia鈥檚 heart. Without a drop of mortar, its granite blocks were so precisely fitted that the structure has endured almost two millennia, towering nearly 30 meters high at the Plaza del Azoguejo, where it still dominates the skyline and leaves visitors awestruck at the sight.
For generations, this aqueduct was not just impressive architecture, but the very system that kept the city alive, channeling fresh mountain water into fountains, baths, and households. It was a daily reminder of Roman ingenuity long after the empire itself had vanished. Even when centuries brought turbulence, the aqueduct endured. During Moorish rule, sections were damaged, but in the 15th century Queen Isabella the Catholic ensured its repair, preserving it as a working structure and symbol of continuity. Its ability to survive both time and turmoil speaks to the balance and precision with which it was built.
Yet the monument鈥檚 appeal is not only technical鈥攊t also lives in the realm of story. Local legend says a weary girl, tired of climbing hills with buckets of water, struck a bargain with the Devil: he would build a system to carry water before dawn in exchange for her soul. But as the rooster crowed, one stone remained unfinished, sparing her and leaving a visible gap in the aqueduct鈥檚 arches. To this day, visitors glance up at that missing piece and smile at the idea that myth has carved its own place into history.
Now, the aqueduct is Segovia鈥檚 defining landmark and its most photographed treasure. Standing beneath its towering arches, sipping coffee at a nearby caf茅, or climbing the surrounding steps for a sweeping view, you feel both the gravity of history and the playful touch of legend. It is not simply a Roman monument鈥攊t is the heart of Segovia, uniting past and present in a way few other places can. Here, stone and story work together, reminding all who visit that some achievements truly outlast empires.
For generations, this aqueduct was not just impressive architecture, but the very system that kept the city alive, channeling fresh mountain water into fountains, baths, and households. It was a daily reminder of Roman ingenuity long after the empire itself had vanished. Even when centuries brought turbulence, the aqueduct endured. During Moorish rule, sections were damaged, but in the 15th century Queen Isabella the Catholic ensured its repair, preserving it as a working structure and symbol of continuity. Its ability to survive both time and turmoil speaks to the balance and precision with which it was built.
Yet the monument鈥檚 appeal is not only technical鈥攊t also lives in the realm of story. Local legend says a weary girl, tired of climbing hills with buckets of water, struck a bargain with the Devil: he would build a system to carry water before dawn in exchange for her soul. But as the rooster crowed, one stone remained unfinished, sparing her and leaving a visible gap in the aqueduct鈥檚 arches. To this day, visitors glance up at that missing piece and smile at the idea that myth has carved its own place into history.
Now, the aqueduct is Segovia鈥檚 defining landmark and its most photographed treasure. Standing beneath its towering arches, sipping coffee at a nearby caf茅, or climbing the surrounding steps for a sweeping view, you feel both the gravity of history and the playful touch of legend. It is not simply a Roman monument鈥攊t is the heart of Segovia, uniting past and present in a way few other places can. Here, stone and story work together, reminding all who visit that some achievements truly outlast empires.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Segovia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: 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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Aqueduct of Segovia on Map
Sight Name: Aqueduct of Segovia
Sight Location: Segovia, Spain (See walking tours in Segovia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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
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.
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 Andr茅s) 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
Beyond the boundaries of the Quarter, the majestic Gate of Saint Andrew (Puerta de San Andr茅s) 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
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
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
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 鈥渁rchitect鈥� 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鈥檚 name is thought to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Segovia鈥檚 name is thought to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles