Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Your Backyard: Segovia’s Old Town

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Segovia is undoubtedly beautiful, especially during the spring. 

Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Segovia attracts tourists from all over the world. The cathedral, Plaza Mayor, and Aqueduct are some of the things that make this city so memorable – but there is so much more. 

But what qualifies a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization has recognized the place as having outstanding value to humanity.

Therefore, as the shining sun and warm weather may bring out your inner explorer – here is a list of hidden gems around Segovia’s old town for your next walk while you take a break from finals: 

House Museum of Antonio Machado 

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Image courtesy of Trip Advisor

Antonio Machado – a renowned Spanish poet, lived in Segovia from 1919-1931, where he taught French at the Instituto de Segovia. You can visit his home, now turned into the House Museum of Antonio Machado at Calle Desamparados 5

The small picturesque house brings one back to another time. The re-furnished and remodeled home shows how the famous poet once lived. This is a great way to enjoy an afternoon, learn about Spanish history, and experience Segovia. Even if you don’t go into the museum, seeing the tiny home from the outside is worth seeing. 

Check out this recent Stork article to learn more about Antonio Machado’s life in Segovia.

La Casa de los Picos 

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Image courtesy of Turismo de Segovia

If you live in Segovia, there is no way you’ve missed this one. 

Right in front of Carrefour Express sits la Casa de los Picos. It was commissioned in the XV century and is next to La Puerta de San Martin. Characterized by diamond-shaped ornaments, it was transformed into a home, seen by the five balconies. 

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Image courtesy of Castillos de España – @castillosdeespana.es

The building has gone through several uses. In the 70s, it homed the Ministry of Education, but since 1977, it has been part of the School of Applied Arts. 

La Juderia

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Image courtesy of Wikipedia

La Juderia, known as the Jewish Quarters, is a small neighborhood in Segovia’s old town. 

It gets its name from the Jewish population that inhabited this area from the XII century until their expulsion through the Edict of Granada in 1492. It is located between Plaza Corpus Christi and the street la Juderia Vieja

Emerge yourself in Segovian history as you walk around. Make sure you reach la Puerta de San Andres, which distinctively shows off the walls of Segovia. This door is also crucial as it is where the Jewish community was forced to leave. 

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Image courtesy of Segovia en buen plan

La Muralla 

Segovia’s historic wall hides some beautiful views. They date from the XI to the XII century, and the best way to explore them is by walking! 

Several paths go either around or inside the city walls. Although slightly farther from the city center and close to the IE Segovia Campus, check out Puerta de San Cebrián. You can go on top and get stunning views of our beloved Segovia campus. 

Another beautiful place you need to check out by the city walls is called Senda de los Suspiros. If you continue walking down the street of the Alcázar – Rda. Don Juan III – you will find some steep staircases that take you down the walls. This beautiful and relatively easy hike leads you around las murallas while showing you the incredible views of the Alcázar and the cathedral. Make sure you bring hiking shoes! 

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Image courtesy of Christina Brusco

As finals season is approaching, make sure that you take breaks and go outside to get some fresh air: explore all of Segovia’s beautiful landmarks and pieces of rich history it has to offer. 

Next time, maybe you will find your hidden treasures!

Christina Brusco
Christina Brusco
Editor of the Lifestyle Section in Madrid and third-year LLB-BIR student.

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