SEGOVIA AS A UNESCO HERITAGE SITE
In December 1985, UNESCO decided that Segovia and its aqueduct should be a World Heritage Site. There were plenty of reasons for this decision as the city stands out for many things, such as its beauty, environment, buildings, and streets.
Palace courtyards, convent cloisters, and important building facades also serve as venues for the numerous events of the International Festival, where you can enjoy the Chamber Music Week, the Youth Festival, and the Open Theater, Music, and Dance Festival. Its two university campuses also promote educational and cultural activities, making Segovia a must-visit destination.
The Segovia Aqueduct is one of the most magnificent Roman works ever built. Considered the heraldic symbol of the city, the purpose of its construction was to convey water from the Sierra to Segovia. Its construction dates back to the early 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Trajan. It carried water from the Fuenfría spring, 17 kilometers from the city. The water was first collected in a cistern called 'El Caserón' to be immediately conveyed by a channel of ashlars to a second tower called 'Casa de Aguas', where it was decanted and sand was removed before continuing its journey. The highest part of the aqueduct measures 28 meters and has two orders of arches on pillars. In total, the aqueduct has 166 arches. During the time of the Catholic Monarchs, the first major reconstruction work of the aqueduct was carried out, in which 36 arches were rebuilt.
The Segovia Alcázar is one of the city's most prominent monuments, standing on a hill at the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers.
Due to the remains found in the area, it is estimated that during the Roman domination of the city there was already some kind of fortification, and that the Alcázar was built on the remains of this. Declared a historic-artistic monument in 1931, in 1953 the Alcázar Board was created, which is responsible for the museum inside.
Segovia Cathedral, known as 'The Lady of the Cathedrals' for its size and elegance, the Holy Cathedral Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and of San Frutos of Segovia is a cathedral built between the 16th and 18th centuries.
In Gothic style but with Renaissance features, it is one of the latest Gothic cathedrals in Spain and Europe, as it was erected in the 16th century, when Renaissance architecture was already spreading in Europe.
The old Cathedral of Santa María de Segovia was destroyed in 1520, during the War of the Communities, so in 1525 the construction of a new one began under the orders of Juan Gil de Hontañón.
Financed by the people of Segovia with contributions from the guilds, it has a structure of three high naves and an ambulatory, highlighting its finely carved traceried windows. The interior is completely Gothic except for the dome of 1630, and in general, it presents an imposing and sober appearance.
Among the chapels, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament stands out, with an altarpiece by José de Churriguera, the Chapel of Saint Andrew, with the Flemish triptych of the Descent from the Cross by Ambrosius Benson, and the Descent with the Dead Christ by Gregorio Fernández. The altarpiece of the main altar, by Francisco Sabatini, is dedicated to the Virgin of Peace. It is accompanied by sculptures of the Segovian saints Saint Frutos, Saint Geroteo, Saint Valentine, and Saint Engracia.
