Some months ago, We went to Segovia, a city with a lot of charm and unique things that you will not find anywhere else in the world.
We keep very good memories of these days as we were accompanied by great people, the first time by our great Italian partners and the second time by our fantastic friends and classmates.
*1ST TIME: HISTORIC CENTRE OF THE CITY (11th April 2019)*
The Roman Aqueduct:
As the aqueduct lacks a legible inscription (one was apparently located in the structure's attic, or top portion), the date of construction cannot be definitively determined. The general date of the Aqueduct's construction was long a mystery, although it was thought to have been during the 1st century AD, during the reigns of the Emperors Domitian, Nerva, and Trajan. At the end of the 20th century, Géza Alföldy deciphered the text on the dedication plaque by studying the anchors that held the now missing bronze letters in place. He determined that Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96) ordered its construction and the year 98 A.D. was proposed as the most likely date of completion. However, in 2016 evidence was published which points out to a slightly later date, by 112 AD.
The Fortress:
Rising out on a rocky crag above the confluence of two rivers near the Guadarrama mountains, it is one of the most distinctive castle-palaces in Spain by virtue of its shape – like the bow of a ship. The Alcázar was originally built as a fortress but has served as a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy since then. It is currently used as a museum and a military archives building.
The cathedral:
The massive cathedral was built between 1525-1577 in a late Gothic style, outdated elsewhere in Europe. The previous cathedral of Segovia had stood adjacent to the Alcazar, and had been used by the royal armies in defending the latter against siege. The rebellious Comuneros were intent on taking the Cathedral to protect its holy relics, and to use its position against the walls of the Alcazar in order to defeat its defenders. In a famous exchange, prominent city officials urged the comuneros to halt their attacks on the church.
As the aqueduct lacks a legible inscription (one was apparently located in the structure's attic, or top portion), the date of construction cannot be definitively determined. The general date of the Aqueduct's construction was long a mystery, although it was thought to have been during the 1st century AD, during the reigns of the Emperors Domitian, Nerva, and Trajan. At the end of the 20th century, Géza Alföldy deciphered the text on the dedication plaque by studying the anchors that held the now missing bronze letters in place. He determined that Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96) ordered its construction and the year 98 A.D. was proposed as the most likely date of completion. However, in 2016 evidence was published which points out to a slightly later date, by 112 AD.
The Fortress:
Rising out on a rocky crag above the confluence of two rivers near the Guadarrama mountains, it is one of the most distinctive castle-palaces in Spain by virtue of its shape – like the bow of a ship. The Alcázar was originally built as a fortress but has served as a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy since then. It is currently used as a museum and a military archives building.
The cathedral:
The massive cathedral was built between 1525-1577 in a late Gothic style, outdated elsewhere in Europe. The previous cathedral of Segovia had stood adjacent to the Alcazar, and had been used by the royal armies in defending the latter against siege. The rebellious Comuneros were intent on taking the Cathedral to protect its holy relics, and to use its position against the walls of the Alcazar in order to defeat its defenders. In a famous exchange, prominent city officials urged the comuneros to halt their attacks on the church.
*2ND TIME :REAL SITE OF SAINT ILDEFONSO (19th June 2019)*
The Royal Palace:
The area was a favourite hunting grounds for many Castilian kings, due to its location on the forested northern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama. In the 15th century, Henry IV of Castile built the first hunting lodge on the site, along with a small shrine dedicated to San Ildefonso (saint Ildephonsus of Toledo), which gave this place its first name. Isabella I of Castile granted both buildings to the monks of the Santa Maria del Parral monastery in Segovia, who built an almshouse and developed a granja (farm) alongside the lodge and shrine.
The Fountains:
All of the fountains represent themes from classical mythology, including Greek deities, allegories and scenes from myths. They are cast in lead to prevent corrosion, and painted over to simulate bronze, The original waterworks and piping are still functional. They rely purely on gravity to project water up the fountain jets, including to the 40 metres (130 ft) height of the "Fame" fountain. A reservoir, El Mar (the Sea), lies secluded at the highest point of the landscape park, and provides the supply and water pressure for the whole system. In the present day, only a few fountains are active on each day. Twice a year, on the feast days of San Fernando and of San Luis, all twenty-six fountains are set to jet and flow, providing memorable experiences.
The lighting of the groups of fountains alternate their days of operation, so that, depending on the month and the specific day you go, you will see some fountains work or others. They divide them in this way: Group 1: "Canastillo", "Frogs", "Baths of Diana" and "Fame". Group 2: "Horse Race", "Canastillo", "Frogs" and "Fame".
"Canastillo" fountain, my favourite one.
The Garden:
The garden with its tranquility, silence, singing of the bird... and with its magnificent centenary trees, other plants, and with labyrinths even, achieves to make you forget the problems and transport you to a totally magical place in the purest style "Alice in the wonderland".
The Labyrinth:
Be careful when you enter here, you can get lost! (Like us)
But it´s very funny.
The Lake:
In the enclosure of La Granja de San Ildefonso, far from the famous fountains, gardens and labyrinths, is the artificial lake called El Mar. This lake is located in the upper area of the enclosure, and we need about 15 minutes walking to reach it. It is used to supply the entire park with water, and thanks to the height achieved by its location sufficient water pressure is achieved for the irrigation system and operation of the fountains.
The Royal Palace:
The area was a favourite hunting grounds for many Castilian kings, due to its location on the forested northern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama. In the 15th century, Henry IV of Castile built the first hunting lodge on the site, along with a small shrine dedicated to San Ildefonso (saint Ildephonsus of Toledo), which gave this place its first name. Isabella I of Castile granted both buildings to the monks of the Santa Maria del Parral monastery in Segovia, who built an almshouse and developed a granja (farm) alongside the lodge and shrine.
The Fountains:
All of the fountains represent themes from classical mythology, including Greek deities, allegories and scenes from myths. They are cast in lead to prevent corrosion, and painted over to simulate bronze, The original waterworks and piping are still functional. They rely purely on gravity to project water up the fountain jets, including to the 40 metres (130 ft) height of the "Fame" fountain. A reservoir, El Mar (the Sea), lies secluded at the highest point of the landscape park, and provides the supply and water pressure for the whole system. In the present day, only a few fountains are active on each day. Twice a year, on the feast days of San Fernando and of San Luis, all twenty-six fountains are set to jet and flow, providing memorable experiences.
The lighting of the groups of fountains alternate their days of operation, so that, depending on the month and the specific day you go, you will see some fountains work or others. They divide them in this way: Group 1: "Canastillo", "Frogs", "Baths of Diana" and "Fame". Group 2: "Horse Race", "Canastillo", "Frogs" and "Fame".
"Baths of Diana" fountain.
"Fame" fountain.
There are more fountains but this are for me the top 3.
The Garden:
The garden with its tranquility, silence, singing of the bird... and with its magnificent centenary trees, other plants, and with labyrinths even, achieves to make you forget the problems and transport you to a totally magical place in the purest style "Alice in the wonderland".
The Labyrinth:
Be careful when you enter here, you can get lost! (Like us)
But it´s very funny.
The Lake:
In the enclosure of La Granja de San Ildefonso, far from the famous fountains, gardens and labyrinths, is the artificial lake called El Mar. This lake is located in the upper area of the enclosure, and we need about 15 minutes walking to reach it. It is used to supply the entire park with water, and thanks to the height achieved by its location sufficient water pressure is achieved for the irrigation system and operation of the fountains.
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