Our last evening trip ended with a site of beauty and full of history such as Spain itself. We left directly after classes ended and as our students celebrated completing their exams. We headed off SE to the city of Segovia, approximately an hour and a half from Valladolid.
This is another city that has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site due to the 894 meter long aqueduct that was built by the Romans in the first century. This amazing structure was the focal point as we arrived at the city. Quite a site to stare at! The rocks are huge, no mortar was used and yet this construction still stands today although it no longer brings water to the city.
We snaked our way through the streets heading for the Alcazar. Some suggest that this was a model for Disney as others argue that he copied a castle in Germany. Regardless this castle truly feels like the set of a movie.
Unfortunately what we see today is a reconstruction after the castle burnt down in 1862 as this building was used as a school for the military and held quite a lot of ammunition. Nevertheless, all of us marveled at the suit of armor, the beautiful ceilings and above all the view
Some of us dared to climb the tower steps – a spiral staircase that caused some of us dizziness, claustrophobia and exhaustion. The view from above showcased the city itself as well as the surrounding countryside, the distant mountains and the steeples of the various churches that populate the area.
After our descent we had a couple hours to explore the little shops that sprout up in the snaking streets, gobble up an ice cream cone and wander through the plazas that seem to be around every corner.
Our next stop was to La Granja de San Ildefonso to stroll the gardens and grounds of this impressive palace. King Felipe V recreated a mini version of Versailles, which was built by his grandfather in France, in 1720.
Unfortunately the 28 fountains that decorate the grounds follow a very specific schedule and are only turned on one at a time for 10 minutes in rotation so only 4 are running in any one day (and not at the same time and only in the evenings). There are only 3 days a year that all fountains work but what a site that must be. And just imagine what these surroundings must have been like when Felipe V was king!