Segovia

Home to a spectacular Roman aqueduct and a fairy-tale Alcazar that reportedly inspired Disney castles. The old town's blend of Roman, Gothic, and Romanesque architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage delight.

Things to do

• Marvel at the Roman Aqueduct — This nearly 2,000-year-old granite structure looms 28 meters over Plaza del Azoguejo without a drop of mortar holding it together.
• Explore the Alcázar of Segovia — Wander the turrets and moat of this fairy-tale fortress perched on a rocky spur, said to have inspired Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle.
• Visit Segovia Cathedral — Known as the 'Lady of Cathedrals,' this last major Gothic cathedral built in Spain has an airy cloister and soaring vaulted ceilings.
• See the Church of Vera Cruz — This unusual twelve-sided Romanesque church, built by the Knights Templar, offers striking views back toward the Alcázar.
• Wander the old Jewish Quarter — Stroll the narrow lanes near Calle Judería Vieja to discover remnants of Segovia's medieval Sephardic community.
• Take in the view from Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos — This meadow across the Eresma valley gives the classic postcard shot of the Alcázar rising above the trees.
• Browse the Museo Zuloaga at San Juan de los Caballeros — A Romanesque church turned museum showcasing works by Spanish painter Ignacio Zuloaga.

Food to try

• Cochinillo asado — Segovia's signature dish of roast suckling pig, so tender it's traditionally carved with the edge of a plate.
• Judiones de La Granja — A hearty stew of oversized white beans from nearby La Granja, often cooked with pork and chorizo.
• Ponche Segoviano — A layered marzipan and custard cake dusted with powdered sugar and branded with a caramelized lattice pattern.
• Sopa castellana — A warming garlic soup with bread, paprika, and a poached egg, perfect for chilly Segovia evenings.
• Cordero asado — Slow-roasted lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven, another Castilian classic found in the city's traditional asadores.

Local customs & good to know

• Book asador restaurants ahead — Popular roast houses serving cochinillo and cordero asado fill up fast, especially on weekends, so reserve in advance.
• Expect a late lunch culture — Most locals eat lunch between 2 and 4 pm, and many shops and sights pause for a midday siesta break.
• Wear comfortable shoes — The old town's steep cobblestone streets between the Aqueduct and Alcázar can be tough underfoot.
• Dress modestly for religious sites — Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the Cathedral or Vera Cruz church out of respect for active places of worship.