10 Things to Do in Segovia at Night
Segovia, declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO, has a particular charm at night that invites you to explore it.
Segovia is a city rich in history very close to Madrid and is located in the region of Castilla y León in Spain. It has very old buildings such as the Roman Aqueduct from the 2nd century AD and medieval monuments, including its castles and the Cathedral of Segovia.
Visiting these buildings is one of the best things to do in Segovia as the illuminated city reveals a distinct warmth. At night is the ideal time to visit viewpoints, such as the Cathedral Tower or the Clamores Valley, discover its gastronomy, stroll through its neighbourhoods and even visit the Alcazar and the Roman Aqueduct.
1. Visit the Roman Aqueduct illuminated at night.
The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia is a Roman construction dating from the 2nd century AD, from the end of Trajan's empire and the beginning of Hadrian's empire.
It can be visited throughout the day but at night it is enchanting, as the lights allow you to appreciate it in all its immensity and beauty. You can take photos of it from its stairs and from the El Postigo del Consuelo viewpoint, from where you can get a good panoramic view of the Aqueduct.
This building, which was in operation until 1973, was used to transport water from the Guadarrama mountains to the city of Segovia, taking advantage of the unevenness of the terrain. It even had a system for cleaning impurities from the water and regulating its flow. It is located in the Plaza del Azoguejo, where it reaches its maximum height of 28 metres.
It is considered one of the most important works of engineering from Roman times, with its 167 granite stone arches from the Guadarrama mountain range. These arches are supported by a balance of forces that are still surprising today.
I recommend you take a guided tour of the Aqueduct, which is one of the best tours you can do in Segovia to get to know this construction in depth.
- Location: Plaza del Azoguejo, 1, 40001 Segovia, Spain
2. Take a night walk through the Caballeros neighbourhood.
The Barrio de los Caballeros is located between the Plaza del Conde Cheste and the Plaza San Esteban, heading north from the Roman Aqueduct. It is characterised by its large number of palaces, churches and ancient museums, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, which can be appreciated in a special way at night.
In this neighbourhood you will find Romanesque palaces such as the Casa del Marqués de Lozoya, the Palacio de Quintanar, the Palacio del Conde Cheste and also the Casa del Marqués de Castellanos y de Uceda and the Casa de las Cadenas. Many of these buildings were built for military purposes to protect the city.
At night, the Caballeros neighbourhood stands out for its lights that embellish every building in the old quarter. Its ancient buildings were the houses of the nobles, but nowadays museums have been founded in many of these houses. Among the most famous are the Esteban Vicente Museum and the Rodera Robles Museum.
You will also be able to see old Romanesque churches such as the Catholic temple of San Juan de los Caballeros, built in 1884, which became the Zuloaga Museum in 1931. You can also see the church of San Martín, which was built in the 12th century.
- Location: between Plaza del Conde de Cheste, 4, 40001 and Plaza San Esteban, 40003 Segovia, Spain.
3. Visit the Alcázar of Segovia at sunset
The Alcázar of Segovia was built in the 12th century and is one of the most famous castles in the world. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage castle at sunset is a must during your stay in Segovia.
When the sun goes down, don't miss theunique panoramic view of Segovia from the 80-metre-high Juan II Tower. No wonder it was an inspiration for different film directors, such as Orson Welles when he filmed the movie "Chimes at Midnight" and for Walt Disney when he filmed the movie "Cinderella".
If you go to Segovia in summer, from April to October, you can visit the Alcázar until 8 pm. However, if you visit Segovia in winter, the Castle illuminated at night from some of the viewpoints is one of the best things you can see in the city.
22 kings lived in the Alcázar of Segovia, such as King Alfonso X the Wise and Isabella the Catholic and other important Spanish personalities. It was also the site of important royal weddings, such as that of Philip II and Anne of Austria.
This castle is currently the training ground for artillery officers in the Spanish army. The extraordinary thing is that this training centre has been in operation since 1764 and was inaugurated during the reign of Charles III.
Useful information
- Winter opening hours: daily from 10 am to 6 pm (November to March).
- Summer opening hours: daily from 10am to 8pm (April to October).
- Location: Plaza de la Reina Victoria Eugenia, s/n, 40003, Segovia
- Entrance fee: around 10€.
4. Take a selfie with the Diablillo del Acueducto at night
The Diablillo del Acueducto is a statue made and donated by the artist José Antonio Abella. It is located on the wall of Calle San Juan, in the highest part.
It is a huge bronze statue of an obese devil who is striking because he has a mobile phone in his hand that says "I Segovia". In addition, this devil is taking a selfie, which attracts a lot of visitors who want to have their picture taken with the little devil.
The sculpture represents a legend about the construction of the Aqueduct that tells that the devil built it in one night, after having made a pact with a woman, who promised to give him her soul in exchange for not having to carry water to her house anymore. However, the devil lacked just one stone to finish his work and the woman did not have to give him her soul in exchange.
The sculpture was placed on the walls of the Aqueduct in 2020 thanks to the businessman José Luis Herrero and the City Council. Despite the fact that the Aqueduct is a historic construction, with an extension of 16,220 metres and 28.10 metres high, this little devil was installed to attract more tourists.
- Location: Plaza del Conde de Cheste, 5, 40001 Segovia, Spain. Located on the wall of San Juan Street.
5. Take a nocturnal visit to the Cathedral of Segovia
Segovia Cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. That is why visiting the Cathedral at night has its attraction as it has a tower of 88 meters high from which you will have very nice panoramic views of the city at night. In addition, the illuminated Cathedral is in itself worthy of admiration.
Segovia Cathedral was built between the 16th and 18th century and is of late Gothic style with some Renaissance features. It is located in the Plaza Mayor square between two emblematic monuments of the city, the Roman Aqueduct and the Alcázar of Segovia. It is also known as the Lady of the Cathedrals, due to its beauty and elegance.
Night visits are available from May to September inclusive on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7.30 pm and 9.30 pm. The guided tour also includes a visit to the Audiovisual Room, the Bellringer's House and the Clock Room. I recommend you read this article on the opening times of Segovia Cathedral to find out more about its opening times.
Useful information
- Opening times: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7.30pm and 9.30pm.
- Location: C. Marqués del Arco, 1, 40001 Segovia, Spain.
- Ticket price: from 9€.
6. Watch the sunset from the Clamores Valley Viewpoint
Segovia has many viewpoints to watch the sunset and get the best views of the historical monuments of the city. One of them is the Mirador del Valle del Clamores, which is located near the Alcázar of Segovia.
It is an ideal place to enjoy an enchanting panoramic view of the city of Segovia at sunset or at night. It also offers a unique view of the Wall, the Jewish Cemetery and the Clamores Valley.
You can get to the Clamores Valley viewpoint on foot, as it is one kilometre from the Aqueduct. You can start your route at the Hontanilla Park, which is next to the Sancti Spiritu Bridge, and continue along San Valentín Street, passing through the Jewish Quarter, the San Andrés Gates and the Wall, until you reach the Mirador.
On the way you will be able to see natural caves, active vegetable gardens, old bridges and old craft houses where they used to work with skins. You will also see an old chocolate mill and a soup factory that are no longer in operation, before reaching the viewpoint and seeing one of the most beautiful views of Segovia at night.
- Location: Rda. de Don Juan II, 24T, 40003 Segovia, Spain
7. Enjoy the excellent gastronomy of Segovia
In Segovia you will find bars, restaurants and pubs with an unmissable gastronomic offer and options to enjoy the night to your liking. You can't miss typical Segovian dishes such as roast suckling pig, farm beans, Segovian trout and many delicious dishes prepared with vegetables and fish, accompanied by Segovian punch. A good dish costs around 20€ or 25€.
Among the best restaurants to eat typical food are Mesón de Cándido, a family restaurant that has been in the family for 3 generations, and Restaurante Casares which overlooks the Aqueduct.
As for bars, the most recommended for tapas in Segovia are La Bodega del Barbero, where there are live concerts, and the bar De Bote en Bote, both a 5 minute walk from the Aqueduct.
Without a doubt, the city of Segovia is beautifully illuminated at night. That's why it's so nice to walk around when the sun goes down and the streets are not crowded with visitors. And during your night-time tour, there's nothing better than enjoying Segovia's great gastronomic offer.
8. Get to know the Jewish Quarter by night
La Juderia is a very old Jewish quarter of Segovia that was built in the 12th century by the Hebrews until they were expelled in 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs. I recommend that you visit the quarter at night so that you can appreciate the nocturnal charm of its narrow streets, the synagogues and the old buildings from medieval times.
It is a very pleasant place to walk around and learn about the history of the Jews who lived in the city. Of the five synagogues that the neighbourhood once housed, only one remains today, the Main Synagogue, where the Catholic convent of Corpus Christi is now located.
This neighbourhood will surprise you with its narrow streets and also its night-time bars, which are characterised by their tranquillity and historic atmosphere, such as the El Fogón Sefardi restaurant and the Socorro bar located at the San Andrés gate.
9. Visit the Jewish Cemetery in Segovia by night
The Cuesta de los Hoyos Jewish Cemetery is one of the few Jewish necropolises in Europe. It is located on the outskirts of the city of Segovia, in front of the Jewish quarter, in the area known as El Pinarillo.
I recommend you to visit it when the sun goes down, as it is located on a hill, from where you can get a nice panoramic view of the city. Besides, there is no doubt that visiting a cemetery at night awakens the imagination of many people. This cemetery dates back to the 15th century and occupies 4.7 hectares.
The Jews used two types of limestone burials to bury their dead, one was by arranging the natural caves to be tombs and in others they used anthropomorphic pits.
- Location: C. Cta. de los Hoyos, 40003 Segovia, Spain
- Entrance fee: free of charge
10. Observe the Alcazar illuminated from the viewpoint of the Last Pine Tree
The Mirador del Último Pino is located in the perfect place to see the Alcazar of Segovia illuminated at night. It is near another viewpoint called Pina del Silencio and close to the Mirador de Alcázar y los dos Valles, where you can also stop to contemplate the view of the city and the Alcázar.
Segovia has many viewpoints from where you can appreciate the historical monuments, the city and the surrounding valley and hills. Visiting them at night is special, as the city is illuminated and takes on a different mystique. The Alcazar is one of the most visited castles in Europe and after sunset it is breathtaking.
You can reach the viewpoint by taking an interesting walk from the City Wall, past the Mirador de la Muralla and the Jewish cemetery, to the Mirador del Último Pino (Viewpoint of the Last Pine Tree). It is a walk of only 1.2 km. The viewpoint of the Alcázar and the two valleys is 200 metres from this viewpoint.
The Alcázar of Segovia, whose shape resembles a ship, is built on the top of a hill. Touring this castle is one of the best tours you can do in Segovia.
- Location: C. Cta. de los Hoyos, 76, 40003 Segovia, Spain