SEGOVIA, SPAIN. A must visit if you are in Segovia. Enjoy the views from the palace on the hill, appreciate its architecture, read up on its amazing history, and walk through its different decorated rooms. I especially recommend this place for history and medieval fans (it has models in armor on display).
Exterior | Robert Persky
I heard that this palace inspired the famous Disney Cinderella castle/logo. The building was originally built as an Arab fortress (which historians now believe may have been built on Roman ruins) but was converted into a royal palace and then a prison and later a military academy. King Alfonso VIII made this spot his principal residence in the Kingdom of Castille. Queen Isabella I of Castile was crowned Queen of Castile and León here in 1474 when news arrived that her husband King Henry IV had died in Madrid.
The architecture and art inside is amazing. Moorish influence is visible, making the style look vey much like that of Alhambra. You can walk through the Hall of the Throne, where the king and queen used to sit, and the Hall of Ajimeces that holds art.
Views from the Palace | Robert Persky
I recommend also visiting the Tower of Juan II, which is attached (but costs extra). It gives you a view of Segovia that you cannot get anywhere else. To get to the top, be prepared to climb many flights of narrow, winding stairs.
A ticket for students costs 3.00 euros, and 5.00 euros for adults. If you want to include a visit to the Tower of Juan II, it will cost an additional 2.00 euros. A guided tour costs an additional 1.00 euro.
El Alcázar de Segovia
Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia
40003 Segovia, Spain
http://www.alcazardesegovia.com/
Tel. +34 921 46 07 59
Hours: Mon to Sun 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Courtyard | Robert Persky
Decorated Ceiling |Robert Persky
Views from Inside | Robert Persky