Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop where the Eresma and Clamores rivers meet, the Alcázar de Segovia is more than a castle—it’s a living chronicle of Spain’s royal past. With its turrets, towers, and stone walls that seem to rise organically from the cliffs, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has enchanted visitors for centuries. Often likened to a storybook palace (and even inspiring Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle), the Alcázar is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a symbol of Segovia’s enduring grandeur.

A Fortress of Kings and Queens

The Alcázar’s origins trace back to Roman times, but its current form began taking shape in the 12th century under the Trastámara dynasty. Designed to reflect the austere elegance favored by Castilian monarchs, it served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and even a state prison.

• Alfonso X “The Wise” used its halls for astronomical studies.
• Isabella I of Castile departed from here on December 13, 1474, to be crowned queen, a pivotal moment in Spanish history.
• Felipe II married Ana de Austria in its chapel in 1570, adding another layer to its romantic legacy.

Today, its Torre del Homenaje (Keep Tower), often compared to a ship’s prow cutting through the rivers below, stands as a testament to its strategic genius and beauty.

Inside the Alcázar: A Journey Through Time

Visitors can explore:

• The Throne Room: Adorned with Mudéjar ceilings and portraits of monarchs.
• The Royal Chamber: Where Isabella plotted her rise to power.
• The Armory Museum: Displaying medieval weapons and armor.
• The Tower of Juan II: Climb its 152 steps for panoramic views of Segovia’s red-tiled rooftops and the distant Guadarrama mountains.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Real Colegio de Artillería, a military academy founded in 1764 within the Alcázar’s walls—one of the oldest active officer training centers in the world.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Opening Hours (2025):

• Winter (Nov 1–Mar 31): 10:00–18:00
• Summer (Apr 1–Oct 31): 10:00–20:00
  Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Special hours apply on holidays (e.g., closed Jan 1 & 6, Dec 25; early closure on Jan 5, Mar 11, etc.).

Tickets:

• General Admission: €9 (Palace + Museum)
• Tower Access: €2.50 extra (time-limited to 25 minutes)
• Guided Tours: Themed options like “Tiempo de Ánimas” (exploring funeral rites and legends) bring history to life.

Book Online: Secure your spot at entradas.alcazardesegovia.com to avoid queues, especially on weekends and holidays.

2025 Highlights: Events & Exhibitions

• Isabel la Católica Conference Series: Following King Felipe VI’s inauguration in December 2024, delve into the queen’s cultural legacy.
• Santa Águeda Celebrations: Join the traditional February festivities, where Zamarramala’s “alcaldesas” (female mayors) visit the Alcázar in vibrant local dress.
• Halloween at the Alcázar: Spooky night tours explore myths of death and rituals from Spain’s past.

Why the Alcázar Matters

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 alongside Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct, the Alcázar is more than a monument—it’s a bridge between eras. From Roman foundations to Renaissance opulence, every stone tells a story of power, faith, and artistry.

Plan Your Visit

Address: Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia, s/n, 40003 Segovia
Contact:

• 📞 +34 921 210 515 (Customer service hours: 9:00–18:00 winter / 9:00–20:00 summer)
• 📧 atencionalcliente@alcazardesegovia.com
• Website: www.alcazardesegovia.com

Pro Tip: Pair your Alcázar visit with a stroll to the Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint) along the Eresma River—a Renaissance-era marvel of engineering.