10 curious facts that you didn't know about Segovia

Segovia, a historic and charming city located in the central region of Spain, is famous for its impressive Roman aqueduct, its imposing Alcázar and its delicious roast suckling pig. However, beyond its best-known monuments, Segovia is home to a series of curiosities that can surprise even the most informed visitors. Here we present 10 curious facts that you probably didn't know about this gem of Castilla.

1. The inspiration of Walt Disney

During a trip to Spain in 1930, Walt Disney was captivated by the majesty of the Alcázar of Segovia. The unique architecture and imposing presence of this former royal palace left an indelible impression on his creative mind. Inspired by the beauty and charm of this historic monument, Disney incorporated elements of the Alcázar into the design of the iconic castles in its animated films.

The design of the "Sleeping Beauty" castle in California's Disneyland Park and the "Cinderella" castle in Florida's Magic Kingdom Park clearly reflect the influence of the Alcázar of Segovia. From the pointed towers to the architectural details, the connection between these fairytale castles and the Spanish Alcázar is undeniable.

This inspiration transcended cultural and geographic borders, bringing with it a piece of the rich history and charm of Segovia to millions of people around the world through the magical stories of Disney. In this way, the legacy of the Alcázar continues to live on not only in the Spanish city, but also in the imagination of generations of Disney fans.

2. An aqueduct without any cement

The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, a masterpiece of ancient engineering, stands out not only for its imposing presence, but also for its unique construction method. Unlike many other Roman aqueducts that used cement to join the stones, the one in Segovia is sustained solely by the precision of its design and the balance of forces.

Built in the 1st century AD.c, this monument consists of more than 20.000 granite blocks arranged in the shape of arches, reaching a height of almost 30 meters in some points. The amazing thing is that these stones stay in place without the help of any modern adhesive materials. Instead of cement, Roman builders relied on the meticulous placement of stones, ensuring that each rested firmly on top of the other to distribute weight and resist the forces of gravity.

This approach demonstrates the extraordinary ingenuity and technical skill of Roman engineers, who were able to create durable and functional structures without relying on modern technology. The Segovia Aqueduct, with its impressive architecture and resilience over the centuries, remains a lasting testament to the legacy of ancient Rome and a must-see tourist attraction today.

3. The last to adopt the last letter of the alphabet

Segovia was the last city in Spain to officially adopt the letter "Z" in its alphabet, which occurred in 1976. This unique fact was due to the implementation of an orthographic reform that unified the Spanish alphabet throughout the national territory. The letter "Z" was one of the last to be standardized due to its limited use in the Spanish language compared to other letters. This reform sought to simplify spelling and ensure linguistic uniformity in all regions of Spain. Although the letter "Z" was already used in some places in Segovia informally or in specific contexts, its official adoption in the alphabet marked a linguistic milestone in the history of the city and the country.

4. The oldest church in Spain

The Church of San Martín in Segovia, with its roots deeply rooted in the 12th century, stands as one of the oldest and most emblematic religious monuments in Spain. Its Romanesque structure, steeped in history and devotion, offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious and architectural past of the Castilian region.

Built during medieval times, St. Martin's Church has witnessed countless events over the centuries. From religious ceremonies to battles and celebrations, its walls have absorbed the very essence of the life and faith of the inhabitants of Segovia throughout generations.

Its architectural design reflects the skill and skill of the craftsmen of the time, with characteristic elements of the Romanesque style that include semicircular arches, decorated capitals and a solid structure that has resisted the passage of time and the inclemencies of history. .

The Church of San Martín is not only a symbol of faith, but also a silent testimony of the evolution of society and culture in Segovia. Through its stone walls and intricate decorations, you can trace the development of the religious and architectural history of the region, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Visiting the Church of San Martín is like immersing yourself in a journey through time, where each stone tells a story and each corner evokes a bygone era. It is a place of reverence and contemplation, but also of admiration for the artistic mastery and devotion that has kept it standing for more than eight centuries.

5. The Alcázar of Segovia: a unique castle

The Alcázar of Segovia, an imposing structure that stands on a rocky cliff, has witnessed a diversity of uses over the centuries. Although its most recognized function is to have been a medieval fortress that protected the city and its inhabitants, its history goes much further.

During times of peace, the Alcázar was transformed into a sumptuous royal palace, serving as a residence for Spanish royalty on several occasions. However, its destiny changed drastically in the 19th century, when the need to modernize the Spanish armed forces led to the Alcázar being converted into a military academy.

During this period, the imposing castle became a military training center where young recruits received instruction in combat tactics, military strategy and discipline. This unusual use of the Alcázar as a military academy added a new chapter to its history, fusing its ancient grandeur with modern functionality.

However, the history of the Alcázar does not end there. During the Spanish Civil War in the 20th century, the castle was once again the scene of fighting and suffering. In this period, it served as a prison for political prisoners, adding another layer of complexity to its already rich history.

Today, the Alcázar of Segovia stands as one of the city's main tourist attractions, combining its fascinating military history with its impressive medieval architecture. Its multifaceted role over the centuries makes it an emblematic monument not only of Segovia, but of the entire history of Spain.

6. The suckling pig as a symbol of Segovia

Roasted suckling pig has been the most emblematic dish of Segovia for centuries, attracting visitors from all over the world for its delicious flavor and deep-rooted tradition. But beyond its culinary fame, this delicacy has a curious history that goes back generations. The unique technique of cutting suckling pig with a plate is said to be a skill that was passed down exclusively from fathers to sons.

This peculiar tradition not only involved skill in the precise and quick cutting of suckling pig, but also symbolized the continuity of the family inheritance and the preservation of the secret recipe that each family jealously guarded. Furthermore, the ritual of preparing and serving roast suckling pig was considered a demonstration of hospitality and generosity, and was a symbol of celebration on special occasions such as weddings, baptisms and local festivities. Over the years, this practice has been kept alive in the homes and restaurants of Segovia, adding a touch of tradition and authenticity to every bite of this gastronomic delicacy.

7. Segovia has an unfinished cathedral

The majestic Segovia Cathedral, with its imposing presence on the city skyline, keeps a fascinating secret: it was never completed according to the original plans. Despite its impressive size and architectural beauty, one of the cathedral's towers remains unfinished to this day. This unique fact adds a unique character to the structure and offers a window into its tumultuous construction history.

The history of the cathedral is marked by a series of financial challenges and internal conflicts that hindered its completion. From its beginnings in the 16th century, the construction of the cathedral faced difficulties in securing the necessary funds for its full development. Although efforts were made by different sponsors and ecclesiastical authorities to finance the work, the lack of resources limited the progress of the project.

In addition to financial problems, the cathedral also witnessed internal disputes between the architects and builders working on it. Different architectural visions and personal rivalries contributed to delays and discord that affected the progress of construction.

As a result of these challenges, one of the cathedral's towers was left incomplete, creating an architectural peculiarity that is an integral part of its charm today. This incomplete tower has become a distinctive feature of the cathedral and a tangible reminder of its turbulent past.

Despite its unfinished condition, Segovia Cathedral remains an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Its imposing presence on the Segovia skyline is an enduring reminder of human perseverance and architectural creativity throughout the centuries.

8. Roofs with unique tiles

The tiles of Segovia tell a unique and fascinating story. If you look closely, you will notice that many of them are marked with names and dates. This peculiarity has its roots in an ancient tradition that dates back centuries, when bricklayers and artisans left their signature on the works they carried out. More than simply fulfilling a professional duty, this practice was a way of leaving his mark on the city, a way of immortalizing his contribution to local architecture.

Each name engraved on these tiles represents an individual who dedicated his skill and effort to the construction and restoration of the buildings of Segovia. In addition to names, some tiles also include dates, marking specific moments in time when construction work took place. These marks are not only historical testimonies, but also add an extra layer of character and authenticity to the city's architecture.

As you walk through the streets of Segovia and look up, you will come across this subtle but significant detail on the rooftops that will transport you to the past and connect you with the laborious hands that shaped the city that we admire today. This custom of signing the tiles is a concrete reminder of the craftsmanship and local pride that has endured through the centuries, enriching the history and cultural heritage of Segovia in a unique and moving way.

9. In Segovia there is the only aqueduct in operation

Although the Roman aqueduct of Segovia no longer fulfills its original function of bringing water to the city, its monumental structure still stands, being the only one of its kind in Spain that is in operation. Built during the 2nd century AD.c, this impressive water distribution system supplied ancient Segovia from the Sierra de Guadarrama, approximately 17 kilometers away.

What makes this aqueduct even more notable is its incredible state of preservation over the centuries, which is a lasting testament to the technical mastery of Roman engineers. It consists of more than 170 granite arches perfectly assembled, without using any type of mortar or cement to hold the stones in place. The precision of its design and the durability of its materials have allowed this majestic structure to survive to this day as an enduring symbol of ancient Roman ingenuity and engineering.

Although the aqueduct is no longer used for its original purpose, it remains an impressive tourist attraction that attracts visitors from all over the world. Furthermore, it is a symbol of Segovia's rich history and a tangible reminder of the legacy left by past civilizations. In recognition of its historical and cultural importance, the Segovia Aqueduct was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, ensuring its protection and conservation for future generations.

10. In the center of Segovia there is a clock without hands

In the heart of Segovia, in the emblematic Plaza Mayor, a clock stands that defies temporal conventions. This one-of-a-kind watch lacks the typical hour and minute hands. Instead, it displays a black disk that contrasts with the background, and in its center, an opening reveals a fixed star in the night sky. This intriguing design was conceived by renowned French watchmaker Antide Janvier, whose masterpieces are revered around the world for their ingenuity and precision.

The presence of this clock without hands in the Plaza Mayor of Segovia not only adds a touch of mystery and charm to the urban environment, but also invites us to reflect on the perception of time and its relationship with the universe. The star in the center of the black disk seems to float in an eternal instant, reminding us that time is relative and that true beauty lies in contemplating the present.

This unique clock is not only a point of interest for locals and tourists, but it is also a symbol of the creativity and innovation that has characterized Segovia over the centuries. In a city where past and present converge in a harmonious dance, this handless clock is a reminder that history and modernity can coexist harmoniously.

These fascinating fun facts only scratch the surface of Segovia's historical and cultural wealth. With its unique combination of history, architecture and gastronomy, this city continues to captivate visitors from around the world, inviting them to discover more about its fascinating legacy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SEGOVIA

What is the most emblematic monument of Segovia?
The most emblematic monument of Segovia is its Roman aqueduct, an impressive structure more than 2000 years old that still stands in the heart from the city.

What is the typical dish of Segovia?
The most famous dish in Segovia is roast suckling pig, a delicacy traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. and juicy.

Is Segovia accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Many of the main tourist sites in Segovia are accessible for people with reduced mobility, although some narrow, cobbled streets can present a challenge. However, continuous improvements have been made to the city's accessibility in recent years.

Does Segovia offer guided tours in different languages?
Yes, Segovia has a wide range of guided tours in several languages, which allow visitors to explore the city and learn about its history. hand of expert guides. These tours usually include visits to the main monuments and places of interest in the city.