Segovia: a Spanish Beauty Outside of Madrid

Our second day in Spain was basically a write-off, as we were so tired from the previous day’s antics. I didn’t get one decent photo of what we did, which is a shame as we did eat some incredible tapas. So I’ll just fast-forward to day three, when we went to the incredibly fascinating city of Segovia, just outside of Madrid. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves (as there are many of them), but it really was one of the most beautiful places that I’ve seen in Spain, and it’s whetted my appetite to see more of the country I once had little interest in.

Alcázar (castle) of Segovia, originally an Arab fortress, is rumoured to be the inspiration for Disney's iconic castle

Alcázar of Segovia

intricate interior of the Alcázar

view across Segovia, from the Alcázar to the Cathedral

Spanish rooftops

Segovia Cathedral, the last gothic cathedral built in Spain

stunning buildings in Segovia

I can't resist taking photos of windows

unusual façade

Roman Aqueduct, constructed without mortar

one of the 170 arches that comprises the Aqueduct of Segovia

we stopped for lunch and tried this pig liver pate to start...yes, I did taste some!

whilst in Madrid we were introduced to deliciously refreshing 'summer wine'; a mixture of red wine and a tonic-water type drink

Dad ordered the local specialty of suckling pig. I wasn't so brave, although I did taste his. It was tender & tasty, but very oily. Later, when Dad found a tiny kidney amongst the meat I was truly glad I didn't try the specialty!

there is something irresistibly charming about washing strung from a window

I can hardly think of a more inspiring subject to sketch than the streets of Segovia

looking back at the castle from the old town walls

On the way home in the late afternoon, we stopped to take a quick stroll through the extensive grounds of the 18th century Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso; once the summer residence of Spanish Kings. The most notable feature was the array of fountains, operated by gravity alone, and made with lead painted to look bronze. It would have been lovely to spend a few hours strolling around the French-style gardens but by the time we arrived it was almost closing time, so I guess I’ll just have to go back one day!

fountains at the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

We flew back to London the following day, but I really enjoyed my fleeting trip to Madrid; not only was it great to see my uncle, aunt, cousins and their gorgeous dogs again, but I developed an unexpected fascination for Spain…next on my list: Granada…

For more pictures (yes, there are loads more!), visit the [a bird in the hand] facebook page – they’ll be up very soon!