Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Today, we ventured from Madrid to the popular town of Segovia via public transportation. We started by walking to the nearest metro station, Sol, where John purchased tickets via a kiosk. An attendant helped him purchase a discounted package of 10 tickets (we used four each direction and had two leftover at the end of the day). After disembarking from the crowded metro train at the Chamartin station (we stood packed like sardines for about a dozen stops), we found our way out and walked to the nearby high-speed national railway station operated by Renfe. John had spent a frustrating couple of hours two nights ago securing our tickets and with them, after searching a bit to find the correct platform, we boarded the comfy train. The short half-hour ride to Segovia was very smooth and we were able to see some of the Spanish country side although I was suprised at how many tunnels we passed through, especially as we approched Segovia. After disembarking at the Segovia Guiomar train station, we walked outside to board a waiting bus (2.25 € each) that we rode to the old section of Segovia.
—— Public Transport to Segovia ——
Sol Metro Station in Madrid
Kiosking for Metro Tickets
Boarding the Crowded Metro Train
Entrance to High-Speed National Train Station
High-Speed Train Platform
Departing the Segovia Guiomar Train Station via Bus
After leaving the bus, we walked through the attractive old section of Segovia and were attracted like moths to a flame to its looming Roman-built aqueduct. The street ended in Plaza del Azojuejo where we gawked at, and took numerous photos of, the impressive 2,700-foot-long aqueduct. The span of aqueduct in the square reaches a height of 95 feet and the arches there (170 total) are stacked two high. Eventually, we climbed stairs up a wall to obtain another perspective on the aqueduct and old town below us.
—— Segovia Aqueduct ——
Jane found a restaurant, El Picaro, off the beaten path where locals were enjoying coffee and pastries tourist-free (well, almost). We enjoyed a couple of large platters of prawns with peaches before continuing our uphill walk which led us to Plaza Mayor lined with shops and restaurants and with one of its sides dominated by the Gothic-style Segovia Cathedral.
—— Lunch at El Picaro ——
—— Plaza Mayor and Segovia Cathedral ——
From there, we continued walking uphill until we encountered the amazing Alcazar of Segovia, a huge 12th-century royal palace. After enjoying picturesque views of Alcazar’s exterior, we took a tour through the palace’s ornate interior. The tour included sweeping views of the beautiful countryside and touring a museum of historical royal artillery. After the palace tour, we paid for another tour that allowed us to climb the stairs up the palace tower for even longer views of Segovia and the surounding countryside.
—— The Alcazar of Segovia ——
—— Atop Alcazar Tower ——
After lingering on the tower roof-top for awhile, we reluctantly departed the captivating palace and headed downhill to Plaza Mayor where we took a rest stop enjoying sangria and beer at an outdoor cafe table along the square.
—— Rest Break at Plaza Mayor ——
After refreshments, we continued our descent through Segovia as the sisters popped into stores that caught their fancy, especially those offering cork products. Just before reaching Plaza del Azojuejo, we were diverted again by an opportunity to sample a Spanish treat, churros with a mug of hot dipping chocolate.
—— Churros & Chocolate Stop ——
Satisfied with our snack, we continued walking to the square and then along the length of the aqueduct. At the end of the square, the aqueduct curved and its double arches changed to single arches and rapidly shrunk in stature until only a short stone wall supported the water chute that ended at a pillar crowned with a monument.
—— Walking along the Roman Aqueduct ——
From the aqueduct terminus, we walked for over a mile through some of modern Segovia to the metro station where we hoped to find a taxi back to the high-speed train station. We couldn’t find a taxi there, but John managed to get a call through to a company that sent a taxi to pick us up in a timely fashion. We took the high-speed train back to Madrid followed by an overcrowded metro train, and then walked back to our apartment on Plaza de Santa Ana. We arrived exhausted and ready for bed following our wonderful sight-seeing adventure.
—— Returning to Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid ——
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