My Solo Month in Spain: Segovia

I’m vaccinated. I’ve done the research and the planning. I’m packed. I’m masked. I’m Negative. And, just as importantly, I’m ready. Normally, whether I’m traveling solo or in a group, I am always just a wee bit anxious and even apprehensive. No one pushes me to travel, that’s all on me. I always go thru that moment of self-doubt, leaving my comfortable, reliable nest and moving beyond the daily familiar.

I’m heading to Spain on a direct flight. And I plan to be there for close to a month. This is not my first trip to España and I pray it won’t be my last. It is a country I enjoy going to and although there’s a sense of comfort, there is also a lack of familiarity with some of the places I will be visiting which adds to the excitement.

When Covid-19 was declared a Pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, I was in Malaysia, but made it home in time to hibernate and cancel the remainder of my international travel plans.

I’ve done some U.S. travels and enjoyed them tremendously but the lure to hop across the pond during this time of Covid and the variants has made me a little skeptical about giving into that lure.

Well, I’ve decided to move forward with that lure and travel to Spain. It is one of those countries that speaks to my heart. I’ve always felt a connection to Spain. And, even though I’ve been there three times, there are still places I’ve not been to plus I miss the feeling I get when I’m in Spain connecting with the people, history and food. Going again, on my own is a two-fold adventure, one of trying to figure out travel during Covid while two, also keeping myself healthy.

So, what does it take to travel internationally during Covid-19? Checking the news daily and connecting with other travelers on social media as to what they are seeing, doing, encountering and enjoying. Plus making sure I meet the requirements to enter the country.

According to the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Spain, effective June 24, 2021, U.S. citizens could travel to Spain if they present, upon arrival, a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal, which I did.

There is no requirement to bring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test since I am traveling from the United States to Spain. But I am still bringing my COVID-19 vaccine card because things tend to change with very short advance notice. And, I have a Negative COVID-19 test result. This is not required to enter Spain, but I want to make sure I am , as fit as possible, to travel.

And, oddly enough, I’m not the least bit fearful. I’m actually more hopeful and open to the experience of traveling through Spain. I don’t expect things to go off without a hitch. I’ve done as much research as I can but once I step foot in Spain, I plan to see as much as I can, do as much as I can and most importantly, enjoy myself.

I appreciate your warm regards for my journey and I hope you’ll join me on this adventure.

Flying solo and flying light for my month-long trip traveling through Spain. So ready for this journey.(Aug. 24, 2021)

I not only made it to Spain, but I made it to Segovia. Once we landed, I got thru passport control rather quickly and moved on to the health control which was just as quick because I had my QR code in hand. No temperature check. No questions. Just enjoy Spain.

Then I went to claim my one piece of luggage. I specifically bought this smaller sized Travelpro luggage, in a really cute wine color, just so I would not have to check it. But the gate agent saw my fanny pack/waist pack and called it a third item. As it turned out, I wasn’t in any hurry so waiting a few extra minutes for my small piece of luggage to make its way on the carousel turned out to be time well spent for me to gather my thoughts and figure out my next moves.

Those next moves first included finding my way to the metro train at the airport, which turned out to be quite easy, buying a ticket and getting to Madrid’s Chamartin train station, which was where I needed to be to catch the Renfre train to Segovia. I purchased that ticket online in advance because I don’t sleep on the plane and I knew my head would be foggy so I minimized my thought processes by having ticket in hand. It sounds complicated, but it’s not.

I’d been to Segovia before, some 11 years ago in 2010 when I took a Rick Steves tour of Spain and Morocco. It was one of my first full-fledged tours and from that point I was hooked on traveling and in love with Spain. But this time, instead of being part of a tour group, I get to experience Segovia and Spain in general, on my own.

Segovia, like all the cities I will be visiting, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are designated places on the face of the earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have such been distinguished as World Heritage Sites. In Segovia’s case, it’s like one long street of historic landmarks, but its World Heritage Sites are the historic old town, the Roman-era built Aqueduct of Segovia and the Alcázar of Segovia.

I look like I’m all alone, but more people eventually boarded this Renfre train from the Madrid Chamartin train station for the 30-minute ride to the Segovia-Guiomar train station. I could have taken a 2 euro bus (around $2.35 USD) to my hotel at the Plaza Mayor in the historic center of Segovia but the cab drive of 8.30 was so worth it. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The Plaza Mayor in Segovia’s historic center where I’ll be hanging out for the next three nights. (Aug. 25, 2021)

My first meal in Segovia, chorizo, fried egg and fried potatoes at La Concepcion, just a few steps from where I was staying at the Hotel Infanta Isabel in the Plaza Mayor. This turned out to be my favorite eating spot. (Sept. 25, 2021)

The stunning Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral, apply named Segovia Cathedral located in the Plaza Mayor Built in the mid-1500s the cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. (Aug. 25, 2021)

Along the same street from the Plaza Mayor, the Calle de Juan Bravo to Calle de Cervantes leads through the gorgeous architecture to the ancient Roman aqueduct. (Aug. 25, 2021)

More gorgeous architecture heading towards the Aqueduct of Segovia from the Plaza Mayor. (Aug. 25, 2021)

A portion of the Saint Martin Church with the Lozoya Tower and the Medina del Campo square in Segovia and along the same street from the Plaza Mayor to the Aqueduct of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The San Martin Church and the Medina del Campo square with the Juan Bravo statue along the street from the Plaza Mayor to the Aqueduct of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

Juan Bravo Statue at the Medina del Campo square in Segovia along the same street from the Plaza Mayor to the Aqueduct of Segovia. Bravo (c. 1483 to 24 April 1521) was a rebel leader in the War of the Communities of Castile. This war was an uprising by the citizens of Castile against the rule of Charles 1 and his administration between 1520 and 1521. The rebel army was defeated at the Battle of Villalar and Bravo was captured and beheaded the day after the battle. At its height, the rebels controlled the heart of Castile, ruling some cities like Valladolid and Toledo. (Aug. 25, 2021)

From the Plaza Mayor along the Calle de Isabel la Catolica changing to the Calle de Juan Bravo in Segovia continues the lovely sights and architecture. People are seated along the balcony of the Mirador de la Canaleja for its stunning and intimate views of Segovia. Although you must mask up indoors, many continue to wear masks outdoors as well. But in this Spanish heat, outdoor wearing can get rather sweaty. (Aug. 25, 2021)

People seated and standing along the balcony of the Mirador de la Canaleja for its stunning and intimate views of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

Views of Segovia from the balcony of the Mirador de la Canaleja, along the same street from the Plaza Mayor. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The homes along the balcony of the Mirador de la Canaleja, along the same street from the Plaza Mayor in Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The House of the Peaks or Casa de los Picos along the Calle de Isabel la Catolica from the Plaza Mayor in Segovia’s historic city center. The diamond shaped decoration had both a defensive and an ornamental function. (Aug. 25, 2021)

An unusual looking retail and residential building heading towards the Aqueduct of Segovia from the Plaza Mayor. (Aug. 25, 2021)

And, while still walking down the same street from the Plaza Mayor, now named the Calle de Cervantes is where you get the first glimpse of the stunning Roman-built Aqueduct of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

There are differences of opinion as to when the Roman-era built Aqueduct of Segovia was built. Some say around 50 AD but another theory is that Emperor Domitian (AD 81–96) ordered its construction around the year 98 AD but that could also be when it was completed. The fact is, the aqueduct, is an imposing historical structure in Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

It is considered one of the best-preserved elevated Roman made aqueducts and the foremost symbol of Segovia that once transported water from the Rio Frio river, situated in mountains about 11 miles (17 km) from the city. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The clock-towered Town Hall building back at the Plaza Mayor before making our way to the Alcázar of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The majestic gated entry into the Alcázar of Segovia. Alcazar means palace or fortress in Arabic. (Aug. 25, 2021)

After entering the gate, you are greeted to the beautiful outdoor garden of the Alcázar of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The Monument to Daoiz and Velarde, at the Alcázar of Segovia, is a memorial tribute to the Luis Daoiz y Torres and Pedro Velarde y Santillán, two Spanish artillery officers who fell fighting during the Dos de Mayo Uprising of 1808 against the French occupation during the Napoleonic Wars. (Sept. 25, 2021)

A substantial part of the wall that surrounded Segovia in medieval times can be seen from the garden of the starting at the Alcázar of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The Alcázar of Segovia was a Muslim era fort built a top a Roman foundation and was likely made of wood. It was largely rebuilt into its present structure by the Berber Almoravid dynasty. The first reference to this castle was in 1120, around 32 years after the city of Segovia was captured by Christian Spaniards (during the time when King Alfonso VI reconquered lands to the south of the Duero river down to Toledo and beyond). Alfonso VIII and his wife, Eleanor of England, made this alcázar their principal residence and much work was carried out to erect the beginnings of the stone fortification we see today. (Aug. 25, 2021)

Me standing just outside the entrance to the Alcázar of Segovia with its moat and drawbridge. With its fairytale-looking turrets, the Alcázar of Segovia started as a wooden Arab fort built over Roman foundations. (Aug. 25, 2021)

With its fairytale-looking turrets, moat and a drawbridge, the Alcázar of Segovia started as a wooden Arab fort built over Roman foundations. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The Weapons patio of the Alcázar of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The first room inside the Alcázar of Segovia is this small armory collection, however there are other pieces throughout the Alcázar and a museum dedicated to its armory. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The Throne Room inside the Alcázar of Segovia was one of the favorite residences of the Catholic Monarchs of Castile in the Middle Ages, and a key fortress in the defence of the kingdom. The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile whose marriage in 1469 led to the unification of Spain, play a commanding role in Spain’s history and there will be more to say in my coming visits thru Spain. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The Hall of the Galley inside the Alcázar of Segovia is so named due to its its name from the old coffered ceiling in the shape of an inverted ship hull. Along with the gorgeous ceiling is the mural of the coronation of Isabella I of Castile in the background. (Aug. 25, 2021)

A close-up of the painting, on the wall of the Hall of the Galley inside the Alcázar of Segovia, depicting the coronation of Isabella I of Castile as the queen of Castile and of León at the church of San Miguel of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The Royal Chamber inside the Alcázar of Segovia where the walls portray family life scenes of the Catholic Monarchs. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The Hall of Monarchs inside the Alcázar of Segovia where Philip II of Spain commissioned Hernando de Ávila to design statues corresponding to the kings of Asturias, León and Castile. (Aug. 25, 2021)

A close-up of the statues designed to represent the kings of Asturias, León and Castile at the Hall of Monarchs inside the Alcázar of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

The top the terrace of the Alcázar of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

Views of Segovia from a top the terrace of the Alcázar of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

Views from a top the terrace of the Alcázar of Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

A selfie of me at the Alcázar of Segovia, having seen quite a lot on little to no sleep but oh so happy to here. (Aug. 25, 2021)

I’ve seen much and done much since arriving in Segovia. But today’s post is all about the Segovia Cathedral from its detailed and incredible altarpieces, the gates enclosing the chapels and the climb up the Tower to see the magnificent bells and views.

The Cathedral is considered the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain. After the War of Communities of Castile (1520-1523), the old cathedral, which stood adjacent to the Alcazar of Segovia, was almost completely destroyed.

In 1525, Carlos I (also Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire) ordered the construction of the present Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint Fritos. It was designed by the master builder of his time, Juan Gil de Hontanon but was not consecrated until July 16, 1768, some 243 years after the first stone was placed.

And, construction for the Belltower or Tower, as it is called, began around the time the Cathedral began, around 1524.

It may not be Sunday but today is Segovia Cathedral day. And, there’s still a wee bit more about Segovia to come.

Me at the Belltower or Tower of the Segovia Cathedral after making it up a tight spiral staircase of more than 170 steps, with a couple of helpful breaks in between, to witness the Tower, its spectacular bells some dating back to the 1600s and its spectacular views. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Built at the highest point of the town, construction of the impressive Segovia Cathedral began in the year 1525, during the reign of Carlos I and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is in the late Gothic style and was built after the old Romanesque cathedral was burned down in the year 1520. The cathedral was not consecrated until 1768. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The entrance to the Segovia Cathedral in Segovia’s Plaza Mayor. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The belltower or Tower of the Segovia Cathedral was built around the same time as the Cathedral in 1525 and reaches almost 296 feet (90 meters). The current stone spire crowning the tower, dating from 1614, was erected after a major fire was caused by a thunderstorm.
The original spire, built of wood, made it Spain’s tallest tower of 352 feet at the time. (Aug. 26, 2021)

What you see once you enter the massive Segovia Cathedral with its incredible pillars. (Aug. 26, 2021)

Inside the overpowering Segovia Cathedral with its more than 20 side chapels. (Aug. 26, 2021)

Inside the massive Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 26, 2021)

Inside the Segovia Cathedral with its more than 20 side chapels, stately columns and stained-glass windows. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The main altar in the center of the Segovia Cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Made in the neoclassical style of colorful marbles and bronze by the 18th century Italian architect Francesco Sabatini (1722-1797) and is dedicated to the Virgin of Peace. (Aug. 26, 2021)

A close-up of the main alter in the center of the Segovia Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. (Aug. 26, 2021)

Still in the center of the Segovia Cathedral and directly across from the main altar of the Virgin Mary is the 15th century large Gothic choir. (Aug. 26, 2021)

A peek through the enormous gate of the 15th century Gothic choir inside the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 26, 2021)

nside the 15th century Gothic choir of the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The entrance to the Segovia Cathedral’s cloister, an interior yet exterior oasis was actually part of the original cathedral complex near the Alcázar of Segovia. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The cloister of the Segovia Cathedral was an interior yet exterior oasis that was actually part of the original cathedral complex near the Alcázar of Segovia. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The cloister of the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 26, 2021)

This is the Chapel of St. Frutos one of more than 20 chapels, places of individual worship, inside the Segovia Cathedral. Frutos was an 8th century Castilian hermit who was venerated as a saint. (Aug. 26, 2021)

A close up of the St. Frutos altarpiece inside the Chapel dedicated to him at the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 26, 2021)

Another one of the more than 20 chapels is this Capilla del Cristo Yacente or Chapel of the Reclining Christ inside the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The reclining Christ and elaborate altarpiece inside the Capilla del Cristo Yacente or Chapel of the Reclining Christ at the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The 16th century plateresque grill of the Capilla de San Blas or Chapel of St. Blas, another of the more than 20 chapels inside the Segovia Cathedral. This is also the entry point to the bell tower stairs. Check out the wooden door to the right of the incredible Baroque altarpiece. That door hides the entrance to the spiral staircase leading to the Belltower or Tower. (Aug. 27, 2021)

A closer look of the baroque altarpiece inside the Capilla de San Blas of Chapel of St. Blas at the Segovia Cathedral. The sculpture of St. Blas, dressed in white, dates back to the 17th century is the sculpture. This is also where our Spanish-speaking guide is giving our rather large group information about the Tower and what to expect. Thankfully, I’m listening to an audio guide in English of what I assume is something similar to what the Spanish-language guide is saying to the group. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The tiny doorway inside and to the corner of the Segovia Cathedral’s Capilla de San Blas is this old wooden door entryway that hides to the staircase and the beginning of the climb…some 170 steps to the bell tower or Tower. Here we go. (Aug. 27, 2021)

t took about 60 steps to reach this wonderful resting point where a rather gorgeous slide show/film provided insight information on the Segovia Cathedral’s Tower. (Aug. 27, 2021)

And, then it was time to climb another 50 steps to the bellringer’s house along with the mechanism hall before getting to the Tower of the actual bells. So, let’s climb these stairs and see what’s next. (Aug. 27, 2021)

I unfortunately didn’t take any photos of the bellringer’s house but suffice it to say, they were small, empty rooms with white walls. And, yes, the bellringer and his family lived on this floor of the tower. The wood stairs, and thankfully there were just a few, is the mechanism hall displaying gorgeous tapestries. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The mechanism hall with the tapestries is just a few stairs above the bellringer’s house on the way to the bell Tower of the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Just one more set of stairs, about 50 or so to reach the bell Tower of the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Finally, the bell Tower of the Segovia Cathedral with its bells dating back to the 1600s that still work. Of the 12 bells, only 11 can be seen because the 12th bell is hard at work everyday ringing on the hour throughout the day. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The bell Tower of the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Views of Segovia including the Walls of Segovia and the Alcázar of Segovia from the bell Tower of the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Views of the Alcázar of Segovia from the bell Tower of the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Views of the Segovia Cathedral from the bell Tower of the Segovia Cathedral. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Me again, about to head back down and check out some more of Segovia. The climb up was definitely worth it and I took my time on the climb down. Slightly more to come about Segovia and then after that, I am on to Avila. (Aug. 27, 2021)

So glad I decided to spend three nights in each of the places I’m visiting while trekking through Spain. Time flies when you’re around so much historical heritage and I’m just lapping it up.

Segovia is busier than I thought it would be but the busyness was never an issue, at least not as much as the heat. It was definitely warm during the day but I found pockets of shade for cooling. And my broken Spanish has been enough to get me to the right places at the right times but I wish I knew more. English is less frequently spoken in the smaller cities I’m visiting.

Restaurants especially those that offer outdoor seating are literally overrun by customers, especially in the early to late evenings. Actually that’s the best time to relax, when the heat of the day has closed down for the night.

Staying in the Plaza Mayor at the Hotel Infanta Isabel was a great decision on my part. I would highly recommend it.

My time in Segovia has come to a close, but not before I share just a few more of this UNESCO World Heritage city’s other diamonds and a few encores including the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso; the Jewish Quarter and Walls of Segovia; the Iglesia (Church) of San Miguel; and a few more of my favorites, the Plaza Mayor, the Aqueduct of Segovia and the all important nightlife and food scene. This wraps up my stay in wonderful Segovia. Next stop Avila.

The Palacio Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso or Royal Palace of La Granja is an early 18th-century palace in the small town of San Ildefonso, located in the hills near Segovia. It became the summer residence of the King of Spain from the 1720s during the reign of Philip V. The Baroque style palace is surrounded by extensive gardens and sculptured fountains. I visited inside the palace but photos are not allowed. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The exterior of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Illdefonso. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The Baroque main facade and architectural sculptures of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. The doorway/room on the second floor is the bedroom of the royals where they could admire their grounds. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The Royal Palace of La Granja was was built in the French style, imitating Versailles. This cascading fountain and sculptures is what the royals saw from their bedroom window. ce built in a paradisiacal area in the French style, imitating Versailles when the Duke of Anjou was crowned Bourbon King of Spain. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The Patio de la Herradura courtyard of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Illdefonso. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The “Fame” fountain at the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso celebrates his victory by playing his trumpet on the back of Pegasus. (Aug. 26, 2021)

A close-up of the “Fame” fountain at the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso celebrates his victory by playing his trumpet on the back of Pegasus. (Aug. 26, 2021)

One of several gardens of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. (Aug. 26, 2021)

Me in front of the Plaza de Los Banos de Diana or the Square of the Baths of Diana in one of the many outdoor gardens and fountains at the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. (Aug. 26, 2021)

A close up of the elaborately decorated Plaza de Los Banos de Diana or the Square of the Baths of Diana fountain at the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. (Aug. 26, 2021)

Back in Segovia walking through the Jewish Quarter. The first hints of Jewish presence in Segovia go back to the 13th century. In 1480, Jewish people were confined to the district that is now known as the Barrio Julio or Jewish Quarter within the south part of the city. In 1492, the Catholic Monarchs signed the Edit of the Jews expulsion and, except for the converts, the Jewish people had to abandon their birth city. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The ancient Sinagoga Mayor, or main synagogue was the religious center of the Jewish community of Segovia in medieval times. The orientation of the Main synagogue in Segovia suggests, according to some authors, that it could have been erected over a previous mosque. With documentary evidence of its existence going back to 1373, it is known that it served as a Jewish temple until its confiscation in 1410 and that nine years later it had already been consecrated to Christian worship. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Puerta de Sol entrance is both a part of the Jewish Quarter and the ancient Walls of Segovia. (Aug. 27, 2021)

This Sephardi Jewish symbol, in the shape of the Iberian Peninsula , can be seen a number of times on the grounds of the former Jewish Quarter in Segovia. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Me at the Calle de la Puerta del Sol through the stoned and stained passageway of the Paseo del Salon de Isabel II all part of the Jewish Quarter in Segovia. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The ring of the ancient defense walls around the city begins and ends at the Alcázar of Segovia. The Walls of Segovia are made of limestone masonry, partly set on granite ash Lars. Memorial stones from the Roman necropolis were also used in the construction. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Walls of Segovia and the Paseo del Salon de Isabel II garden area. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Walls of Segovia are also a part of the old Jewish Quarter. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Puerta de San Andrés or Gate of Saint Andrew is one of the ancient city gates forming a part of its medieval fortifications. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Walking under the Puerta de San Andrés to continue my stroll through the Jewish Quarter towards the Alcázar of Segovia and the Walls of Segovia, I see another one of the Sephardic Jewish symbols (bottom center of photos) on the ground. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Passing through the Puerta de San Andrés or Gate of Saint Andrew and the Walls of Segovia in the Jewish Quarter. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Jewish Quarter in Segovia. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Alcázar of Segovia, the UNESCO World Heritage site, can be seen in the distance of the Walls of Segovia. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Mirador del Museo de Segovia combines views of the Walls of Segovia with the Cathedral de Nuestra Senora de Asunción de San Frutos and the Puerta de San Andres. Quite a stunning view. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Walking back to the Plaza Mayor through the streets of the Jewish Quarter in Segovia where pedestrians and cars compete for space. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Iglesia of San Miguel at the Plaza Mayor in Segovia is where Isabel la Católica was proclaimed Queen of Castile on December 13, 1474. Photographs are not allowed inside of the church. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Romanesque doorway of the Iglesia of San Miguel at the Plaza Mayor in Segovia were reused from the previous temple that was torn down in order to expand the Plaza Mayor and rebuild the church. The entrance to the church is dominated by a set of three reliefs embedded in the exterior wall in which Saint Michael, Saint Peter and Saint Paul appear. (Aug. 27, 2021)

This written carving in front of the Iglesia of San Miguel proclaims that in the atrium of the church, even though the original church was destroyed and this one was built in its place, Isabel the Catholic was proclaimed Queen of Castile on 13 December 1474. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Since I’m saying my good-byes to Segovia, I just want to come clean about my time here. I’ve absolutely loved it. And staying in the Plaza Mayor turned out to be the best location for the historical sites. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Juan Bravo Theater is also a part of the Plaza Mayor in Segovia. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The beautiful Plaza Mayor in Segovia. What a treat to stay just across the way from the Concepcion Restaurant which became my go to place to get something to eat. In fact this was where I had my first meal in Spain and my last meal in Segovia. (Aug. 26, 2021)

More of Segovia’s Plaza Mayor. (Sept. 25, 2021)

And, this is where I stayed, Hotel Infanta Isabel in Segovia’s Plaza Mayor. The tables in front belong to the Limon y Menta the Pasteleria-Cafeteria just across the way. (Sept. 25, 2021)

Oh and let me not forget the delicious pastel pequeno, small pastries, from the Pasteleria-Cafeteria next door to the hotel. Had some Thursday and Friday before leaving Saturday. (Sept. 27, 2021)

The Limon y Menta Pasteleria-Cafeteria across the way from my hotel, Infanta Isabel in Segovia. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Inside the Limon y Menta Pasteleria-Cafeteria across the way from my hotel, Infanta Isabel where I found pastel pequeno, small portions of very delicious pastries. (Aug. 27, 2021)

Inside the Limon y Menta Pasteleria-Cafeteria across the way from my hotel, Infanta Isabel where I found these delicious pastel pequeno, small portions of pastries. My favorite were the little custard tarts, to the right, second row from the top. I will miss you. (Aug. 27, 2021)

And, there’s just no way to not check out the Roman-era Aqueduct of Segovia. An impressive feat of construction unmortared, brick-like granite blocks. Possibly built around 50 BC or 98 AD, either way, it is remarkably well preserved. This imposing and impressive construction, with its two tiers of arches, forms part of the magnificent setting of the historic city of Segovia. And, worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage acclaim and one more walk around to gaze at its magnanimity. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The impressive Aqueduct of Segovia. (Aug. 27, 2021)

The Aqueduct of Segovia forms part of the magnificent setting of the historic city of Segovia. (Aug. 27, 2021)

It was late Thursday night when I came to La Concepcion, in the Plaza Mayor to get something to eat. I wasn’t starving, but I needed to eat. This is around 10:30 at night. Not only do Spaniards like to eat late but once a table is reserved, that table is yours for the night. That’s my glass of wine. Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of my food, a rather delicious ham and cheese sandwich that I gobbled down with three, yes, three glasses of wine while I peopled watch and wrote my posts. (Aug. 26, 2021)

People out enjoying one another in the cooling night air with the gorgeous backdrop of the golden Segovia Cathedral. (Sept. 26, 2021)

The Segovia Cathedral all lit-up for its night time viewing. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The after midnight stragglers I left behind at the La Concepcion Restaurant on Thursday night. (Aug. 26, 2021)

The almost empty Plaza Mayor as I make my way, from the La Concepcion Restaurant to the Hotel Infanta Isabel in Segovia. (Aug. 26, 2021)

My room at the the Hotel Infanta Isabel in Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

My bathroom at the the Hotel Infanta Isabel in Segovia. (Aug. 25, 2021)

And for my last night, Friday, it was reservation only at the La Concepcion Restaurant for the outdoor tables and once again they were packed. I was lucky to get a table just inside the restaurant and by the window. I had the Cochinillo. It was my second try at having this traditional staple of roasted pig cooked over charcoal resulting in a crispy skin and juicy, tender pork. The piglet is supposedly roasted after feeding on sow’s milk for two to six weeks. (Aug. 27, 2021)

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Carolyn Thieme on December 12, 2021 at 12:00 pm

Your photos and comments brought back, and extended, my short time in Segovia on a Rick Steved tour Sept. 2012. Thanks for your details. I love Spain and look forward to your remaining posts.
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  Diana Petterson on December 12, 2021 at 3:20 pm
  
  Carolyn, thanks so much! And, I’m so glad the post brought back good memories of your time in Segovia from your Rick Steves tour. I’ve taken a number of his tours and enjoyed them immensely. In fact, my first time in Segovia was on a Rick Steves tour in 2010 so going back and spending a few days there really allowed me to experience this beautiful city.