FREEZING IN SEGOVIA

Snow covered peaks are visible from Madrid but I didn't expect to be amongst them. Segovia lies just on the other side of those wintry peaks and has a weather to match.

Getting there is pretty straight forward with a bus from Principe Pio bus station, which is on the metro system, and costs 15 euros return. The train is probably more expensive and also the train station is some distance from the old centre of Segovia, unlike the bus station which is less than 10 min walk from the Roman aqueduct.  

An impressive structure indeed considering how long ago it was built. Segovia is small so the walk past the cathedral to the castle, or Alcazar, takes little time through some typical narrow Spanish streets.

It is said that Walt Disney got the idea of the castle for Disney Land from here. It does have a similarity from certain angles. Its 5 euros entrance and 2 more to go up the tower but I paid 3 euro reduced rate and the tower didn't really appeal being so cold. Segovia is just below the snow line looking at the nearby hills behind the aqueduct above. 

Excellent views from the castle windows and some pretty fancy ceilings inside. Its had a long and complicated history starting with the Romans, then the Arabs and then to the Royalty of Spain. It was even a prison and a military school for periods of time. Of course rather a lot of renovation took place after all that. Cant imagine a prison looking like this.  

A view from the Alcazar

Before I set off for Segovia the guy at the hostel reception suggested I try the suckling pig that Segovia is famous for. The prices here are all way up and this delicacy was sure to be an experience to avoid, unless I wanted to spend the next 4 days food budget on one meal. 

A piglet looking somewhat deflated, or is doing the breast stroke?

A coffee shop to warm up in.

 

The snow on the return to warmer Madrid and then moving onto Salamanca tomorrow morning.