Segovia was my favorite city on the trip. Granted, I came knowing a bit of history about the city already, because it is one of the cultural focuses in my textbook; but I would have been impressed anyway. The first thing you notice about the city is the enormous aquaduct that was used to bring water from the RiofrÃo to the city for almost 2000 years. It is the best example of Roman architexture in Spain, and the best preserved. It was built using huge stone blocks to build massive arches to support the aquaduct. At its highest point (28 meters) the aquaduct used two layers of arches. The aquaduct is 728 meters long and has survived the test of time as well as an attempt by an Arab conqueror to tear it down. (His men finally gave up and the section was restored by Fernando & Isabel).
Another impressive monument is the Alcazar. It is a castle/fort located on a bluff overlooking the confluence of two rivers making it virtually impregnable to attack. The fort is built in the shape of a ship, and its distinctive towers were the inspiration for one of Walt Disney´s castles. The castle is famous because it was the site of Queen Isabel´s coronation. It also held an astronomy center in one of its towers. AFter the monarchs moved out, it was used as an academy by the Spanish army. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed almost everything inside the castle in the 1862. A massive restoration effort was employed to restore it to how it looked during its heyday. The most impressive room is the Room of the Kings. It has life size replicas of each of the kings and queens of Spain (seated in thrones) from Pelaya down to Juana "la Loca" (daughter Fernando and Isabel). Under each monarch is a written summary of his/her greatest accomplishments. 
Other rooms hold replicas of the armor and weapons of the day, the throne room, a royal bedchamber, dining room, etc. Climbing to the top of the largest tower offers you a fabulous view of the city and the neighboring countryside.
Although the cathedral looked impressive from the outside, we decided to bypass a tour since we´ve seen at least a dozen cathedrals already this trip. Instead we went on a trip to the royal summer palace known as "la Granja." That was impressive too, but I´ll have to tell you about that in the next post.
Other rooms hold replicas of the armor and weapons of the day, the throne room, a royal bedchamber, dining room, etc. Climbing to the top of the largest tower offers you a fabulous view of the city and the neighboring countryside.Although the cathedral looked impressive from the outside, we decided to bypass a tour since we´ve seen at least a dozen cathedrals already this trip. Instead we went on a trip to the royal summer palace known as "la Granja." That was impressive too, but I´ll have to tell you about that in the next post.
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