- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 12th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Style
- Romanesque architecture
- Commissioned by
- Spanish Empire, Kingdom of Castile
- Architect
- Juan de Herrera, Francisco de Mora
- Heritage
- UNESCO World Heritage List
- Visiting
- probably – Wikidata lists it as a museum or gives tickets, opening hours or visitor numbers; check before you go
- Coordinates
- 40.9525°, -4.1325°
History
The rock where the Eresma and Clamores rivers meet had long been fortified, and after the Christian conquest of Segovia the castle became a favourite residence of the kings of Castile. In the 15th century the Trastámara monarchs enlarged and lavishly furnished it, and in 1474 Isabella the Catholic set out from the Alcázar to be proclaimed queen in Segovia. Later the castle served as a state prison, and in the 18th century it housed the Royal Artillery School. In 1862 a great fire destroyed the roofs and interiors, and the rebuilding gave it its present, somewhat fairy-tale look with slate spires. Today it houses a museum and a military archive.
What to see
Visitors pass through halls with Mudéjar ceilings, including the Throne Room and the Hall of Kings with a frieze of the monarchs of Castile and León, as well as an armoury and a chapel. Climbing to the top of the Tower of John II rewards you with views of the cathedral, the aqueduct and the surrounding plains. From the valley of the Eresma below you can best appreciate the castle's ship-like shape.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q557337
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