Segovia is a small historical city located not far away from the Spanish capital. It has a lot of monuments of different cultures and different epochs and I think that Segovia is one of the most interest destinations in Spain for the tourists.
It’s also one of the oldest cities in Spain. Segovia has been founded around 700 BC. In the ancient times the prominent pages of its history were related with the name of Sertorius who tried to establish in the Spain independent realm from the Rome.
Sertorius was a talented general. Two years he acted successfully against Romans but frankly speaking he has not had enough resources to win the war. Even Hannibal has been defeated by Romans. One day he was betrayed by his followers (who were tired by the endless war) and was captured by Romans.
Romans have not destroyed the city. Instead, they have converted Segovia into one of the important centers in the Spain. They built a lot of buildings in the city such as the amphitheatre, forum and aqueduct.
Today about the Romans fame in the city reminds only the aqueduct. It’s hard believe but this aqueduct is still in use. It still supplies the water into the some districts of the city.
When the aqueduct has been built is unknown. Probably it’s happened during the reign of the Trajan at the end of the first century. Its height is 30 meters at the point of the maximum altitude and its length is 17 km. In the 11th century the aqueduct has been destroyed by the moors but when the Christians regained control over the city they restored it.
After the fall of the Roman Empire the fate of the Segovia was the typical for the Spanish cities. First who gained control over the Spain were the Visigoths. After a few centuries they have been expelled by the Moors and only a few Christian kingdoms survived in the north part of the Spain.
When Christians began to regain control over the territories, Segovia became one of the Spanish capitals. Spanish kings periodically lived in the city until 1570 when Philip Second moved the capital to the Madrid.
It was the golden era of Segovia. A lot of wonderful buildings were built in the city including the magnificent Alcazar of Segovia.
The historical center of the city stands surrounded by the medieval walls. The walls as well as the gates into the city are in good conditions. Beyond the walls lays part of the city with narrow streets and preserved medieval planning. The heart of the historical center – is a Plaza Mayor with the Cathedral of Segovia.
The construction of the current Cathedral was started after the old Cathedral has been destroyed after the big fire in 1520. After the five years king Charles I ordered to build the new Cathedral in the city. The construction has been led by the famous Spanish Architect Ontanon who also has been responsible for construction of Cathedral in the city of Salamanca. The construction lasted a few centuries and Cathedral of Segovia has been consecrated in the 1768.
The Cathedral of Segovia is not only one spiritual building in the city. Here you can find a lot of mediaeval abbeys and churches. Many of them originate from 12-13 centuries and have been built in Roman style.
My favorite Roman church in Segovia - is a San-Millan church which has been built in the 111-1123. This church has a vestiges of the Moors culture (what is typical for the Spain). Its tower adorned by the magnificent and picturesque ornament of the Arabic style.
Another interesting church is San- Esteban which dates from the 13 century. The church of Vera Krus has been built by the Order of Templar Knights in the 1208 and was copied from one of churches in the Jerusalem. Of course I have not covered all the monuments in the city. Here a lot to see. I think the best way to become familiar with it it’s to spend a few days of your vacation here, in Segovia.
