Fairytale towers and fne food in central Spain
Over the centuries, the Alcázar of Segovia has variously served as a royal palace, prison, military academy and, today, as a museum
PHOTOGRAPH: MASSIMO BORCHI/4CORNERS
According to ancient lore, Segovia was founded by the Roman god Hercules, and the Unesco-listed city has all the makings of a legendary weekend away. Framed by the rolling hills of central Spain – which welcome wildfowers and balmy spring weather this month – it’s packed with scene-stealing landmarks in an abundance most cities its size can only dream of. Its crowning glory is the aqueduct that towers 30 metres above its terracotta rooftops in a series of 167 arches. The Rapunzel towers and witch-hat turrets of the Alcázar fort, meanwhile, are said to have inspired Walt Disney – and offer soul-stirring views over the Castilian countryside. Segovia’s Gothic cathedral is another marvel, but its medieval streets also conceal more humble pleasures. Its citizens are known for their love of pork, making it one of the best places in the land to try specialities like jámon and cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), plus the local ponche segoviano (marzipan cake).