If you’ve never been to the Alcázar de Segovia, prepare to be enamored! This is a top tourist attraction and it’s the perfect place to visit any time of the year. This list will highlight different areas of the castle and make sure you don’t miss out on the highlights. Keep reading to discover the top things to see at the Alcázar of Segovia.
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Coolest Things To See at the Alcázar of Segovia
The Alcázar is a place with a very rich history and, of course, lots of things to see and explore. However, since this is quite a large complex, I always find it’s best to know what to be on the lookout for to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.
In this article, we’ll guide you to the amazing things you must see at the Alcázar. Keep in mind that, depending on what you’ll want to see, you’ll need to buy your ticket accordingly. For example, the tower is only available in the full ticket. Find out more about how to visit the Alcázar of Segovia.
There’s also so much to see and do in Segovia and the surrounding area that we recommend you check out our incredible Segovia and Toldeo day trips from Madrid. All of them include a guided tour of or free time to visit the Alcázar of Segovia, plus you could enjoy an epic hot air balloon ride or delicious local delicacies like Segovian suckling pig.
Not ready to book a tour yet? See our Madrid Guide for more info.
10. Royal Artillery College Museum
This is one most tourists tend to miss, which is a real shame. The artillery museum in the Alcázar of Segovia is crucial to understanding the military developments of Spain in the modern period.
The Alcázar served as the academy and training grounds of specialized troops for the Spanish army for many years. You can find the legacy of this tradition in the museum. Here you’ll learn about the technological advances of the 1700s onward and the role Spain played in this.
9. Fireplace Room (Sala de la Chimenea)
This lovely room dates from the reign of Felipe II, right in the middle of the 16th century and at the apogee of the Spanish Empire. You can feel this in the richness of the furniture in the room, which is from the same time period. Also, do not miss the royal portraits of Felipe II and Felipe III hanging on the walls.
8. The Armory (Sala de Armas)
Every great castle required an armory—this is an unwritten rule. When we visit a castle, we all want to see cool swords and armor. It’s a quintessential part of the experience and an important room to see at the Alcázar of Segovia.
This armory is special since it has always held the gear of the house of Trastamara, one of the most important ruling dynasties of Spain. This collection was also the precursor to the Royal Armoury now located in Madrid. So, you’re right at the origin point of Spanish military glory.
7. The Hall of the Galley (Sala de la Galeria)
This room gets its name from the shape of the ceiling, which mimics the shape of the hull of a ship. It’s a beautiful example of a coffered ceiling; a particular type of architectural feature that creates this feeling of a vault.
It was commissioned by Catherine of Lancaster during the renovations of the Alcázar in the 15th century. Moreover, it borrows from the Muslim artistic influences of the period in Spain. Finally, don’t leave without looking at the stained glass windows with portraits of Enrique II and Enrique III of Castile.
6. Ajimeces Room
With the Galley Room, comes the Ajimeces Room, also known as the Old Palace Room. This is a must-see since it is one of the oldest rooms in the palace, dating to the 12th century and showcasing some of the original architectural features of the palace. It includes early balconies, which would have led onto terraces in the middle ages with lovely views of the surrounding landscape.
Not ready to book a tour yet? Find out how to visit the Alcázar of Segovia.
5. The Royal Chamber
Although it doesn’t contain much furniture, the Royal Chamber in the Alcázar has some breathtaking decorations on the walls. The scenes depict moments in the lives of the Catholic monarchs, Isabel and Fernando. Get your camera ready because every corner is just pure magic. Also, do check out the bed with the beautiful golden brocade.
4. The Chapel
Chapels in castles and royal residences tend to be special because they are usually sites for special events in the monarchs’ lifetimes. And of course, at the Alcázar, this is also the case.
This chamber saw the marriage between Felipe II and Anna of Austria. Don’t miss the paintings with the Adoration of the Magi by the Italian painter Bartolome Carducho.
3. The Throne Room (Sala del Solio)
Always a highlight in most royal residences, everyone wants to see where the business of the kings and queens took place. And this one doesn’t disappoint: it contains many portraits of the rulers of Spain, including Isabel of Castile and Fernando of Aragon.
The ceiling decorations in this room are also worthy of praise, as is the obligatory selfie with the throne and royal platform showcasing the motto of the Catholic monarchs. So, pose like the power couple the Catholic monarchs were at the time and feel the awe.
2. The Hall of the Kings (Sala de los Reyes)
As a historian and tour guide, I can easily say I’ve been in very few royal residences with a room that could compare with the impressive display of power that you feel in this hall. Of all the rooms to see at the Alcázar of Segovia, don’t miss this one.
It was commissioned during the reign of Alfonso X El Sabio (the wise), in the 13th century. The entire room is impressive, but your eyes just go up to the ceiling and the top edge of the wall with the row of little statues of all the rulers of Castile.
The indulgent use of gold in this room and rich ornamentation is a clear sign of the need to remind everyone of the legitimacy of this ruling dynasty, which went through so many trials in the Spanish Middle Ages.
1. The Tower of Juan II
This part of the castle corresponds to the 15th century and it’s a great example of Spanish Gothic architecture. Its architectural features have made it an attractive movie set for the last 50 years, including the recent Amazon release of the Wheel of Time.
But this isn’t the only reason the Tower of Juan II is at the top of this list. Arguably, the most impressive thing about this tower is the view of the Castilian plains and the surrounding area of Segovia.
It will give you another perspective of the exceptional beauty of the region as well as insight into why the castle was set on this promontory dominating the landscape. So, if you’re brave enough to climb the 152 spiral staircase, I promise your reward at the top will be 100% worthwhile.
Now, you’re ready to tackle the Alcázar of Segovia! If you’ll be based in Madrid and want to explore this historical area without worrying about logistics, check out our unique Segovia day trips.
Not ready to book a tour yet? Find out how to visit the Alcázar of Segovia.
Where To Stay in Segovia
Come to Segovia, Spain, to see the Roman Aqueduct, the Cathedral, and enchanting Alcázar. Find out where our local experts recommend staying in this ancient city. You’ll find great hotel deals to make your stay memorable.
We visited the castle recently and are curious to know what was the purpose of the dark, metallic-looking rocks that are inserted into the mortar between the stones of the castle’s exterior. Were they placed there to be decorative or for another purpose?