How to visit and what to see in Alcázar de Segovia: schedules, prices

Together with Roman aqueduct and cathedral, Alcazar is, without a doubt, one of the essential visits trust your excursion to Segovia, In the surroundings of Madrid.

This historic castle, which was also a royal palace, has its main attraction in its majestic location on top of a rocky hill along which the historic city of Segovia.

This location provides excellent panoramic views of the Alcázar from various points of the surroundings of Segovia, the main icon being the views from the esplanade that opens before the Sanctuary of Fuencisla, On the banks of river Eresma.

Now, before visit the Alcázar of Segovia, you should know the main Historical facts and some curiosities of this important monument.

Curiosities and history of the Alcázar of Segovia

The origins known of the Alcázar of Segovia They date back to the 12th century, at the time of the reconquista of the city for Alfonso VI.

From then until the 16th century, it was the most vigorous period of this majestic castle, as it was residence of the Castilian kings, so that up to 22 people walked through its halls. Kings of Castile.

To emphasize that Elizabeth I the Catholic resided in the Alcazar of Segovia, and from there he left in 1474 towards the Plaza Mayor of Segovia to be proclaimed Queen of Castile.

When Madrid In 1561 it became the capital of court. the Alcazar of Segovia stopped being used as Royal residence.

Royal Academy of Artillery in Alcázar de Segovia

After a period in which it was a prison, in 1762 the Alcázar of Segovia became the headquarters of the Royal Academy of Artillery Founded by Carlos III.

You can see a good example of this now in the gardens of Philip II that in the Queen Victoria Square They extend in front of the entrance façade to the Alcázar, and in the center of which there is a monument to Daoiz and Velarde, who were students of said academy.

When was the fire at the Alcázar of Segovia?

A key moment in history of the Alcázar of Segovia was big fire that devastated him in March 1862, which forced your total reconstruction.

Therefore, now in your visit of the Alcázar There are few original corners that you will be able to see, and in fact the castle is considered a museum, as it tries to reflect the atmosphere and decoration that it had in its most powerful period during the Middle Ages.

General Military Archive in Alcázar of Segovia

Currently, the Alcazar of Segovia hosts the General Military Archive which was installed in 1898, after the restoration of the building.

Since 1951 it has been managed by the Alcázar Board of Trustees, which has the function of preserving this National Monument, which is gradually being enriched with reforms and new historical heritage.

What to see when visiting the Alcázar of Segovia

In recent years I have had the opportunity to visit the Alcázar of Segovia a couple of times, and without a doubt the one I enjoyed the most was when a young American friend came with us.

It is through their eyes and their impressions that the spectacular nature of this castle is truly appreciated, which for those of us who live in Spain is already part of the typical images of the country.

It was the first time this girl had seen a castle in Europe, and she was absolutely blown away by the experience.

What are the best panoramic views of the Alcázar of Segovia

I have already commented that the most emblematic panoramic views of the Alcázar of Segovia They are the ones you have from the shore of the river Eresma, at the foot of the hill where the castle stands.

But, in my opinion, the most beautiful and suggestive views of the Alcázar They are the ones you have had since the cloister of the parral monastery, where you have the sensation of having transferred to the time of Isabel the Catholic, In full Middle Ages.

as it happens with others castles in SpainFor example, with the Castle of Manzanares el Real en Madrid, or the Olite Castle en Navarre, Alcazar of Segovia It is a building rebuilt from the ruined remains after the great fire of 1862.

For this reason, it is largely a recreation of what the castle was like in its time, and therefore, for visitors, it is presented as a museum of the time.

Tu visit of the Alcázar you can be the culmination of a walk around the world historic center of Segovia, from the Aqueduct, going up the real street, going through the Plaza Mayor and next to the cathedral,

Finally you will finally reach those mentioned Gardens of Philip II, where the building of the city's first cathedral was located at the time.

Guided tours of Segovia and the Alcázar

La visit of the Alcázar of Segovia You can do it in a group with the advice of a spanish guide specialized in art and culture.

With a total duration of two hours, here you have the information about the guided tour of Segovia and the Alcázar, and here a more complete three-hour long one that also includes the visit of the Cathedral of Segovia.

Or if you prefer, you can visit the Alcázar within the framework of a private tour of Segovia.

Main facade of the Alcázar of Segovia

From there you can see the main façade of the Alcázar, although for some Remodeling works that are taking place in the square, you will not be able to see it in all its fullness until December 2019.

On the façade stands out the Tower of John II, and the exterior decoration of the castle corresponds to what it had in the time of the Catholic kings, although slate roofs were implemented at the time of Felipe II, following the fashion that was in Europe at that time.

La first wall What you see is one of the oldest remaining areas of the castle, since its foundation dates back to the Early Middle Ages.

Tras buy tickets In the building to the left of the main façade, to access the building you must cross the bridge that passes over the 26-meter-deep moat.

Medieval armor in Alcázar of Segovia

Together with Parade In the castle there is a room where various armor from medieval tournaments from the 35th and XNUMXth centuries are displayed, some of which weigh up to XNUMX kilos.

Halls of the Alcázar of Segovia

La Fireplace Room It is the first one you will see in the oldest area of ​​the castle, which is known as the old palace.

The ceilings that you are going to see are exact replicas of the originals, and the furniture that you will see in the different rooms have been collected for the Alcázar since the middle of the last 20th century.

Specifically, in the so-called Galley room The ceiling is from the year 2000 and shows great sumptuousness.

It has been able to be replicated as the original thanks to the drawings that had been made of this and other roofs before the fire.

Kings Room of the Alcázar of Segovia

You will pass through the so-called Throne room, but it will be the Kings Room which will also attract a lot of attention, due to the decoration of the friezes with images of all the kings of Spain up to Joan the Crazy.

Of course, it is also a replica.

It should be noted that in this stay in its day Felipe II contracted a civil marriage with Anne of Austria.

since I was little Cord Room You will look out of its windows and you will be able to see beautiful panoramic views of the river Eresma and surroundings of Segovia.

On your visit you will also pass through the old Alcázar Chapel, where a 16th century altarpiece from the Valladolid church of Viana de Cega.

Terrace of the Kings of the Alcázar of Segovia

During the tour you arrive at the Well Terrace, also called Kings Terrace, which is like the prow of this castle that is shaped like a ship.

Finally you will reach the Treasury Room, under the old tower of tribute, Yet the Armoury, where you can see a wide exhibition of period weapons.

Among them is a 16th century crossbow similar to the one used by Carlos V.

In short, a walk through the history of Spain thanks to the excellent setting that the Alcazar of Segovia.

Alcázar Segovia visit schedules

For your visit it will be useful to know the following practical information.

The Visiting hours of the Alcázar of Segovia They are every day of the week, from April to October, from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m., and from November to March, from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., with last access half an hour before closing time.

The only ones days that the Alcázar of Segovia closes They are on January 1 and 6 and December 25, while on December 24 and 31 and January 5 it closes at 14,30:XNUMX p.m.

Although now in this time of pandemic, the Alcazar of Segovia It is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, remaining closed the rest of the days of the week.

Alcázar of Segovia ticket prices

The ticket prices for visit the Alcázar of Segovia The basic price is 6 euros, which allows you to visit the palace and access the artillery museum.

In turn, the full visit price is 9 euros, which also includes going up to the Tower of John II, where you will ascend 152 steps to have the best panoramic views of Segovia and its surroundings.

There is a reduced entrance fee for this complete visit with a price of 7 euros which benefits, among other groups, students, children from 6 to 16 years old and seniors+65.

In the Alcázar you also have the opportunity to sign up for a tour paying a supplement of 4 euros.

These visits take place at every hour and half hour, depending on demand, and are conducted in Spanish with a duration of about 45 minutes.

Finally, if you rent a audioguide For your visit, the price is 3 euros.

Enjoy the visit!