Visiting Segovia, Spain, felt like stepping back in time to a perfectly preserved medieval world. Just a short, day trip from Madrid, about one hour by high-speed Renfe Avant train from the Madrid-Chamartin station, this charming Castilian city sits atop a rocky hill and offers an unforgettable mix of history, architecture, and timeless beauty. For us, it was one of those rare destinations where every corner seemed to tell a story, and every view took our breath away.
Segovia is perhaps most famous for its ancient Roman aqueduct, a marvel of engineering that dates back nearly 2,000 years. Standing beneath its towering granite arches — built entirely without mortar — was truly awe-inspiring. It’s hard to believe that such a structure could have survived for millennia, still stretching proudly across the city center. We found ourselves returning to it several times during the day, each time appreciating its grandeur from a new angle.
From there, we wandered through the Old Town, a maze of narrow streets and stone buildings that reveal centuries of layered history. The Segovia Cathedral, known as the “Lady of Cathedrals,” dominates the skyline with its late Gothic spires and ornate interior. Its tranquil beauty and stained-glass windows offered a peaceful break before we continued on to the city’s crown jewel — the Alcázar of Segovia.
The Alcázar, perched dramatically on a rocky promontory, looks like something straight out of a fairytale — and legend has it that it even inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Exploring its turrets and halls, we could easily imagine knights, kings, and queens who once walked these same corridors. The view from the tower, overlooking the Castilian plains, was one of the most memorable moments of our visit.
We also took time to enjoy a traditional lunch featuring cochinillo asado — Segovia’s famous roasted suckling pig — which is slow-cooked until the skin becomes perfectly crisp. Dining in a centuries-old tavern with views of the aqueduct made the experience even more authentic.
Although small, Segovia packs in centuries of history and beauty that can easily fill a full day. It’s a destination that’s easily accessible from Madrid, yet feels worlds apart — quieter, more intimate, and deeply rooted in Spain’s medieval past. For us, it was one of the most rewarding day trips we’ve ever taken, full of wonder, culture, and old-world charm.