The Alcázar of Segovia is a fortress (alcázar) dating back to the period of Arab domination (11th - early 12th century, but perhaps of Roman origin), enlarged in the 15th century, located on a hill located on the edge of the Sierra de Guadarrama in the Spanish city of Segovia (Castile and León, central Spain), a city of which it represents - together with the Roman Aqueduct - one of the most famous monuments.
The alcázar was a royal residence, military academy and state prison. It is considered a monument of historical and artistic interest (since 1931) and was a source of inspiration for the castles designed by Walt Disney.
The Alcazar of Segovia is proof that the peninsula is a land of fortresses and palaces that have nothing to envy to those of the neighbors. This monument stands on a hill overlooking the landscape with extreme elegance. And it is no wonder that, during the Middle Ages, this was the favorite residence of the kings of Castile.
The fortress is mentioned for the first time in a document dated 1122. It was built by Alfonso VI after the "Reconquista" and probably replaced a pre-existing building, erected by the Romans, Visigoths and Arabs. In the Middle Ages it was a favorite residence of the Castilian kings, as well as a key fortress for the domination of Castile. In 1352 - 1358 it was rebuilt by Henry II of Castile.
In the first half of the 15th century it was enlarged by John II of Castile and in 1474 the path of Isabella the Catholic started from here to be proclaimed queen of Castile in the Piazza Maggiore of Segovia.
It was then used as a royal prison until 1762, when Charles III of Spain established the Royal School of Artillery there. On March 6, 1862, a serious fire damaged it heavily, but a real restoration was started only 20 years later.
Alcázar of Segovia
Address: Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia, s/n, 40003
Phone: +34 921 46 07 59
Site:
https://www.alcazardesegovia.com/Location inserted by
giulia