Segovia’s Aqueduct
Segovia is about 60 miles (100 km) northwest of Madrid in the region of Castile and León. About an hour and fifteen minutes drive, or 30 minutes by high speed train. The Roman aqueduct may be a clue that this is an ancient city, but it was a Celtic city before the Romans took over. In 2007 the population was about 56,000 and growing slowly.
The bus dropped us off here and our walking tour began with a local guide from the city.
The arches are a formidable announcement that you are in old Segovia. This would be considered the tourist area and there are many hotels and shops to serve them. (us?) The old town is on the other side of the of this view of the aqueduct.
Sometimes it is better to stand way back and get an overall impression. Repairs have been made to rebuild parts that where destroyed by invading armies. For example, the extra bar type construction and the niche holding a statue near the center.
Here is a closer look at the Virgen de la Fuencisla (the patroness of Segovia) looking out from on high.
Google earth shows the aqueduct coming across the top of the photo below, then making a turn and heading off to the top right corner. (Getting smaller as it approaches the centre of the old town.)
In the slides below, the water flows from the hill on the left of the first slide and then makes its turn at the far end of the next slides.
This is the stairway leading up to the ancient city wall.
See the next post for a walk through the streets of old town.
Fabulous photos, definitely makes me interested in traveling there.
Thanks Kimberly. Stay tuned for more from Spain and Portugal. Blog on!
I forgot how much work was done to keep those aqueducts looking spiffy!
I think that applies to all historic sites. Nature has a way of taking over and tourist tend to grind things away.