Segovia

As we finish up our time in Madrid, we have one last day trip planned, this time heading north to the city of Segovia. Geographically, it isn’t that far from Toledo, but where the latter seemed dry and barren, this area looks like a far better spot to set up shop. I guess I’m not the first to make that observation though as people have been calling it home since 700 BC. Around 50 BC, the Romans moved in and, as they often did, left behind some pretty incredible things.

The aqueduct here is one of the best preserved anywhere, and runs for some 10 miles up into the mountains. The double arch section right next to the old town is over 80 feet high and, until the mid 19th century, was part of the primary water supply for the city, just as it was nearly 2,000 years earlier.

A short walk brings us to the Plaza Mayor, which feels far more lively than the one was saw in Madrid. There is a much better mix here of shops and restaurants that likely accounts for part of the difference, but it is also the weekend, and this is clearly a day trip plenty of locals also take.

There is one spot in particular I am on the lookout for, Limón y Menta, as our guidebook calls it out as the place for Ponche Segoviano, a famous dessert from this region described as “a sweet sponge cake, layered with a syrupy and sticky filling inside and then covered in Marzipan before being dusted with icing sugar.”

It disappeared too fast for pictures but, rest assured, the reputation is well-deserved.

Right off the main square is the cathedral and, as always, we stopped in to check it out. Plenty of soaring arches and ornate stained glass windows of course, but the highlight may just have been the person laying down a few bars on the massive pipe organ.

If we saw nothing else we’d chalk this up as a pretty good day but, along with the aqueduct, Segovia is famous for its castle, rumored to have inspired Cinderella’s castle.

For years, the castle and surrounding area were use a military academy and much of the interior now serves as museum to showcase old armor and weapons.

Our ticket also gives us access to the tower, with great views back towards the old town and cathedral.

We have time left before our return train so decide to eat dinner in Segovia rather than waiting until Madrid. With “Piglet in the style of grandmother” and “Breaded Ear” on the menu can you really blame us?