Day trip from Madrid to Segovia

Segovia is a town in Spain, known for its Aqueduct. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I took a bus to Segovia (La Supulvedana company runs buses every 45 minutes) from Metro Príncipe Pío.

Near the Aqueduct, I run into three Chinese students who are studying in Spain for one year. We toured the city together and enjoyed the amazing castle views with snowy mountains as background.  It was pretty cold that day, so I put on all clothes I had, including a coat I bought from a used clothes shop in Seville. Another tip for low budget traveler on the road.

We had a wonderful lunch together. We shared the famous Roasted suckling pig. I ordered a tasty white flaky fish, seafood rice with rice pudding and red wine all of which on the menu of the day cost 12 euro.

• Alcázar. Was built sometime around the 11th century. The current facade was built by Phillip II. The Alcázar's interior is decorated in a variety of styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance. The Alcázar has played a very interesting and important role in Spanish history. It has had a variety of uses throughout history including: the home of the royal court of the Trastamara Dynasty, residence of Isabella the Catholic, the site of the wedding of Phillip II, home of the Spanish Artillery Academy, and currently as a museum and home of the Spanish General Military Archive. The Alcázar is also widely known for scenes from the Orson Welles film Chimes at Midnight, which were filmed on its premises. 

• Aqueduct was probably built around 50AD to supply water to the Roman military fort on the hill, and is one of the best preserved in the world. It was built without cement, and still runs for over a mile from the old town through the modern suburbs. It rises to a great height just outside the old town where it crosses a valley. To appreciate it best, walk up into the newer town and look down it to the old town.

• City walls - Solid city walls that isolate the old town from modern life, keeping out all but a few cars. Outside the walls is a city park that provides great views.

• Casa de los Picos "The House of the Points" is a house located in the old city decorated with pyramid shaped points on the facade. The facade dates from the renaissance.

• Cathedral Segovia's cathedral was built in the Gothic style. Construction of the Cathedral started in 1525 and completed in 1768. 

• Azoguejo Square is where you can see the aqueduct of Segovia in all of its glory. The aqueduct reaches its highest point of 28 meters in the middle of the square. The square is a great starting point for your exploration in Segovia.