Alcázar in Segovia

The Alcázar de Segovia is a castle that looks like a fairy tale, located on a rocky hill at the edge of the old town, at the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers. Its name comes from the Arabic word al-qasr, which means fortress or palace. The Alcázar de Segovia is one of the oldest and most important monuments in Segovia, as well as one of the most visited places in Spain.




The history of the Alcázar dates back to the 12th century when the first fortress was built on the site of an earlier Celtic and Roman settlement. In the 13th century, the castle was expanded and beautified by the Castilian kings, who made it their favorite residence. Monarchs such as Alfonso X the Wise, Henry IV the Impotent, Isabella I of Castile, and Philip II Habsburg stayed in the Alcázar. The Alcázar was also the site of important historical events, such as the coronation of Isabella I in 1474, the signing of the Segovian concord in 1475, or the imprisonment of Joanna the Mad in 1509.




In the 16th century, the Alcázar lost its importance as a royal residence, in favor of the new palace La Granja de San Ildefonso. In 1762, the castle was handed over to the Artillery Academy, which set up a military school in it. In 1862, the Alcázar was partially destroyed by a fire that consumed the roofs and towers. Between 1882 and 1896, the castle was rebuilt and restored, giving it its current appearance, inspired by the neo-Gothic and romantic style.




Today, the Alcázar is managed by the Alcázar Patronage, which takes care of its conservation and promotion. Inside the castle, you can visit the palace rooms, which have retained their original decor and furnishings, such as the Throne Room, Coronation Room, Fireplace Room, Queen’s Room, or Knight’s Room. You can also admire collections of armor, weapons, coins, maps, paintings, and sculptures, which belong to the Alcázar Museum and the Artillery Museum. From the Homenaje tower, the highest and oldest part of the castle, there is a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding area.




The Alcázar de Segovia is not only a monument but also a symbol of culture and art. Its silhouette has inspired many writers, painters, and filmmakers, who have placed it in their works. Some even claim that the Alcázar was the model for the castle in Disneyland or for Hogwarts from Harry Potter. The Alcázar de Segovia is therefore a place worth visiting to feel like in a fairy tale and to learn about the history and legends of this extraordinary castle.

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