Alcazar of Segovia
★★★★☆
Attribution: By Neticola Sny, flickr.com
The Alcazar of Segovia is a famous medieval castle and one of the most visited landmarks in Spain.
The Alcazar served both as a royal palace and a fortress for the Castilian monarchs.
However, throughout its long history, the building also served as a state prison, a Royal Artillery College, a large chemistry laboratory, and a military academy.
The castle has been the stage for crucial events in Spain's history.
For instance, the first meetings of the Cortes of Castile or the proclamation of Queen Isabella of Castile, one of the most significant and influential women in history.
Like many fortifications in Spain, the Alcazar of Segovia started as a Roman castrum.
In the early twelfth century, King Alfonso VIII and his wife, Eleanor of England (the sister of Richard the Lionheart), made the Alcazar their principal residence.
Alcazar of Segovia: outside view
Credit: ID 112287023 ©Andreistancu | Dreamstime.com
Most of the structure we see today was laid out during the reign of King Alfonso X. He also convened the first Cortes of Castile here in 1256.
The Alcazar was expanded and further decorated with Catalina de Lancaster at the beginning of the fifteenth century.
The peak was reached during the reigns of Juan II and his son Enrique when the famous Tower of Juan was built.
The proclamation of Isabella de Castilla in 1474 will forever be linked to the castle. A contemporary painting by artist Carlos Munoz de Pablos is a testament to this grand moment.
Alcazar of Segovia: the proclamation of Queen Isabella
Credit: ID 102027141 ©Andreistancu | Dreamstime.com
The Alcazar has been the site of other significant historical events.
The marriage of King Philip II to Anna of Austria strengthened the alliance between the House of Habsburg and the Hispanic Monarchy.
In the late eighteenth century, chemist Joseph Proust formulated the Law of Definite Proportions, a fundamental advance in modern chemistry.
The Royal Artillery College was founded in Segovia by King Charles III in 1762.
Currently, the Alcazar serves as a museum, a military enclosure, and the Royal Artillery College.
Alcazar of Segovia: paintings in castle's room
Credit: ID 54563801 ©Vladescu Bogdan | Dreamstime.com
The castle's design reflects majesty and grandeur, emphasizing the authority of the kings of Castile.
Alcazar of Segovia at night
Credit: ID 46026301 ©Sean Pavone| Dreamstime.com
With a distinctive shape - like the bow of a ship- the Alcazar is arranged around two main courtyards.
Alcazar of Segovia: inner courtyard
Credit: ID 195172768 ©Rui Vale De Sousa | Dreamstime.com
There are many beautiful rooms in the castle that are worth seeing.
Alcazar of Segovia: : interior room
Credit: ID 102027004 ©Andreistancu | Dreamstime.com
The Hall of the Kings is one of the most spectacular spaces.
Alcazar of Segovia: Hall of the Kings - Decorated ceiling
Credit: ID 35373257 ©Pedro2009 | Dreamstime.com
It features 52 intricate raised portraits of various Kings of Castile, forming an elaborate golden-plated frieze that encircles the upper part of the room.
Alcazar of Segovia: Hall of the Kings
Credit: ID 54563849 ©Baspentrubas | Dreamstime.com
Alcazar of Segovia: Hall of the Kings - statues
Credit: ID 102027369 ©Andreistancu | Dreamstime.com
Alcazar of Segovia: intricate raised portraits of Kings of Castile
Credit: ID 270023203 ©RudiErnst | Dreamstime.com
The Throne Room is emblematic of its importance to the Spanish crown, as are the Chapel and the Royal Chamber with their beautiful decorations.
Alcazar of Segovia: Throne Room
Credit: ID 262215163 ©RudiErnst | Dreamstime.com
Alcazar of Segovia: Chapel
Credit: ID 112590330 ©Andreistancu | Dreamstime.com
The Tower of Juan II is another magnificent site to visit.
The stunning Gothic architecture and breathtaking views across the Spanish countryside make it an unforgettable experience.
Standing between the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers, the Alcazar of Segovia is an impressive landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is believed that the fortress was one of the inspirations behind Cinderella's Castle in Walt Disney World.
Reviews and impressions
Ron
@Ursula The Sleeping Beauty Castle was modeled after Neuschwanstein Castle. On the other hand, Cinderella Castle may have drawn some inspiration from the Alcazar of Segovia as well as from other castles (including Neuschwanstein), but, of course, we can not know this for sure.
Ursula Treadwell
No, the Alcazar of Segovia did not inspire the Cinderella Castle in Disney Land, which was modeled after Ludwig II Castle of Neuschwanstein, near Fussen in Bavaria, Germany.
Peter Frund
Majestic castle in an incredible medieval city, worth a whole week end
Michael
Most beautiful castle ever seen