Plaza Mayor (Main Square), Segovia (must see)
The Main Square of Segovia has been the city鈥檚 beating heart for centuries. Long before its formal construction in the 17th century, this space was where villagers gathered for markets, meetings, and celebrations. In medieval times it was even called Ribbon Street, a nod to the lively vendors who filled it with stalls. By the Middle Ages, it had grown into the hub of Segovia鈥檚 civic and economic life, especially during the city鈥檚 golden age of the wool trade, when merchants came from across Castile to strike deals under its arcades.
Stories from its past reveal the square鈥檚 importance. It was in front of the Church of San Miguel, which borders the plaza, that Isabella the Catholic was proclaimed Queen of Castile in 1474, a moment that altered Spain鈥檚 destiny. Though the church collapsed in 1532 and was later rebuilt, its place on the square ties the site to that pivotal episode. The cathedral, rising majestically nearby and often called the 鈥淟ady of Cathedrals,鈥� added further weight, anchoring Plaza Mayor as both a spiritual and civic stage.
The town hall, built in the 17th century, presided over centuries of political events, while the square itself hosted bullfights, processions, and festivals where the entire town turned out. A weekly market, first granted by King Enrique IV, continues every Thursday, echoing the medieval bustle that once defined the space. In the 20th century, the Juan Bravo Theatre joined the square, enriching its cultural life with performances that still draw crowds today.
The square has adapted with time, welcoming caf茅s, shops, and hotels, but it has never lost its role as Segovia鈥檚 gathering place. Sit at a caf茅 beneath the arcades, watch the weekly market or a summer concert, and you鈥檒l feel the same rhythm of life that has pulsed here for centuries鈥攁 square that embodies Segovia鈥檚 history, resilience, and communal spirit.
Stories from its past reveal the square鈥檚 importance. It was in front of the Church of San Miguel, which borders the plaza, that Isabella the Catholic was proclaimed Queen of Castile in 1474, a moment that altered Spain鈥檚 destiny. Though the church collapsed in 1532 and was later rebuilt, its place on the square ties the site to that pivotal episode. The cathedral, rising majestically nearby and often called the 鈥淟ady of Cathedrals,鈥� added further weight, anchoring Plaza Mayor as both a spiritual and civic stage.
The town hall, built in the 17th century, presided over centuries of political events, while the square itself hosted bullfights, processions, and festivals where the entire town turned out. A weekly market, first granted by King Enrique IV, continues every Thursday, echoing the medieval bustle that once defined the space. In the 20th century, the Juan Bravo Theatre joined the square, enriching its cultural life with performances that still draw crowds today.
The square has adapted with time, welcoming caf茅s, shops, and hotels, but it has never lost its role as Segovia鈥檚 gathering place. Sit at a caf茅 beneath the arcades, watch the weekly market or a summer concert, and you鈥檒l feel the same rhythm of life that has pulsed here for centuries鈥攁 square that embodies Segovia鈥檚 history, resilience, and communal spirit.
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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Plaza Mayor (Main Square) on Map
Sight Name: Plaza Mayor (Main Square)
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