We were woken up around 9:00 by the noise of kids playing in the soccer field behind the hotel so I got up to check the weather. I was really surprised when a complete whiteout greeted me upon raising the shutter because bright light was showing through the shutter. Visibility was only a couple of feet from the window. Took a shower, finished packing and brought the luggage to the car. Had breakfast at the hotel which was included in the price and it was quite excellent.
The fog was very thick on the way out but cleared up about 20 minutes into the trip. The sky was a deep, dark blue with no clouds at all and the snow-capped mountains near Segovia were very visible. The trip is about two and a half hours long and we passed an accident along the way. It was a one-car accident and the front end was completely smashed in after running head-on into the exit barrier. The EMT's were wheeling in a covered gurney into the ambulance as we passed by.
Segovia is situated in high ground so the cathedral and the Alcazar can be seen clearly as you approach the city. Turning into the Plaza del Azoguejo which is the entrance to the historic quarter, we were greeted by the majestic structure of the Roman Aqueduct. It was such an astonishing sight to behold especially with the sun shining behind it. As usual, parking was a problem so we continued driving around the city walls until we found a couple of scenic spots to stop and take pictures. Took pictures of the Alcazar and the cathedral from the roadside and then returned to the plaza.
Parked at the foot of the aqueduct and stayed in the car since it is a no-parking zone while Mom went to the Tourist Office to get some hand-outs. When she returned, I climbed the stairs to the wall to take some pictures while she stayed to watch the car.
I was able to take a lot of pictures including the view of the distant mountains still covered with snow but then had to run down quickly when I saw a cop walking towards the car. He was quite helpful though and directed us to a private parking area across the plaza after I explained our situation in my limited Spanish vocabulary. He even gave us directions to the cathedral saying it was only a 5-minute walk when I asked him about the sightseeing bus schedule.
Did some souvenir shopping on the way to the cathedral and took pictures of the Iglesia de San Martín, Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad and the Casa de los Picos. Also took pictures of a 'happy pig family' and a stuffed lamb in one of the restaurants' display windows. Continued on up the alley until we saw a glimpse of the beautiful cathedral domes.
This is an enclosed balcony or 'galeria' (left) which added space and beauty to the living area and allowed the occupants to view the scenery even in winter time; Casa de los Picos (right).
The street finally opened up to the Plaza Mayor (Main Square) where we viewed the cathedral in its magnificence. It was very beautiful inside; the lighting was just right which completed the natural light shining through the stained-glass windows. It is the only one that we have visited in Spain that is well-maintained down to the shiny and smooth marble floors. Too bad picture-taking wasn't allowed.
The 'happy pig family' display in one of the restaurant windows offering the local especialty 'cochinillos'; an outdoor menu advertising the day's special.
The front quarter with the itty bitty foot and ear; usually served with 'patatas fritas'.
Tower of the Iglesia de Santisima Trinidad and a souvenir stall along the way to the cathedral.
The cathedral viewed from the 'esquina' and the Plaza Mayor.
Cathedral close-up shot and the main tower viewed from the courtyard.
Plaza Mayor viewed from the Cathedral's entrance; a 'kiosko' named 'adelantado'.
Restaurante Candido, located right next to the aqueduct and the oldest in Segovia; picture at the main square in front of the Oficina de Turismo before leaving for Avila.
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