Alcázar de Segovia — Attraction in Segovia

From my point of view, the Alcázar of Segovia is the most beautiful castle in all of Europe. We took the guided tour, and I highly recommend it—it was well worth the small extra fee on top of the €7 entrance ticket. Everything I saw inside was of exquisite beauty. Perched on a rocky crag with its bow-shaped façade, the Alcázar has rightly earned the nickname of a “fairy-tale castle.” Its Juan II Tower is one of the most iconic features and offers breathtaking views.

Highlights of the Visit

Palace Halls: The Throne Room was, for me, the most striking space, but the Hall of Kings, Hall of the Galley, Hall of the Pinecones, and the Royal Bedroom are equally impressive.

Armory & Mudejar Ceilings: The collection of historic armor is fascinating, and the wooden Mudejar ceiling in the chapel—originally from Cedillo de la Torre and dating back to the 15th century—is a masterpiece in itself.

History & Anecdotes

Disney Inspiration: Many say this castle inspired Disney’s Snow White castle, though I personally doubt it and believe Disney leaned more toward Neuschwanstein in Germany.

Proclamation of Isabel the Catholic: In 1474, Isabel I was proclaimed Queen of Castile here—an event of immense historical significance.

Prison of State: Under Philip III, the Alcázar served as a state prison, holding notable figures like the Marquis of Ayamonte.

Royal Encounters: Christopher Columbus met with the Catholic Monarchs in this very castle, adding to its historical weight.

Royal College of Artillery: Established here in 1764, this was the first military academy of its kind in the world.

Royal Wedding: In 1570, King Philip II married Anna of Austria in the Alcázar chapel.

Final Impression The Alcázar is not just a castle; it is living Spanish history. Its architectural elegance, combined with its pivotal role in shaping Spain, makes it a must-visit landmark. For Americans, I would say this site is especially meaningful: it connects directly to the era of Columbus, the Catholic Monarchs, and the events that ultimately changed the history of the Americas. Truly a mandatory visit for anyone crossing...

The Alcazar of Segovia was started in the 12th century, after the Christian reconquest of the city from the Muslims. It was a royal palace for the Kings and Queens of Castille as well as an armoury, archive store, meeting place for the Castillian Cortes and home for the 22 monarchs that lived at the castle during its history. After its royal role declined the castle was used as the headquarters for the Royal School of Artillery. The castle was remodelled in the 16th century, adding the slate roofed tower spires that inspired Walt Disney to use Segovia as the Disney castle. Further remodelling took place after a fire in the nineteenth century.

We bought our tickets (€7 each) and frustratingly the tower tickets were all sold out. I hadn't even thought of that or I'd have booked them in advance. The tour through the castle was fabulous and it had a sensible route that was well signposted. There were displays of medieval arms and armour, fabulous stained glass windows and some absolutely awesome ceilings. A lot of the work was done by Islamic craftsmen so there is a heavy Muslim influence in the design of the rooms and similarities with the Alhambra and Seville Alcazar. We also saw the throne room of the Castillian monarchs and the Royal Chambers and bed. The Hall of the Kings had an amazing decorated ceiling and a gallery of the rulers of Castile and Leon and the chapel had a famous 16th century rendering of the Adoration of the Magi.

The walls were impressive and the moat rendered the fortress pretty much impregnable to assault so it was more of a luxury rereat than a military fortress, certainly losing it's military role as the frontier moved south during the Reconquista. The final area we visited was the Museum of Artillery - this had some interesting exhibits but all the text wa in Spanish so we didn't spend as long as we could there, much to Mum and Deb's relief!

After that mental exertion we decided to have a drink in the cafe. Yes, the first place we have been to in Spain with a...

The Alcázar de Segovia is a gorgeous cliff-top castle located to the far east of the historic district of Segovia. The building is characterised by its many whimsical rounded turrets and pointed spires and is famously known (while never formally cited) as one of the main inspirations for Walt Disney’s design for the Cinderella Castle (alongside the yes actually cited Neuschwanstein in Germany).

The Alcázar gets its name from the Arabic word for fortress/palace: al-qaṣr. The history of the site dating back to before11th century when the rocky cliff edge was used as a roman defensive fort with records of its occupation during Moorish times too.

A new and expanded fort was built the 11th and 12th centuries and in this era had a new usage as a residence for the Spanish royalty. Significant Gothic expansion occurred in the 13th century under King Alfonso VIII and Queen Eleanor of England adding additional towers and walls.

In 1862 the site experienced damages due to a fire breaking out leading to the rebuilding of original forms and integration with newer Romanitc revivalist elements including interior works and new neo-gothic decorations.

Entry tickets to the tower, castle grounds and museum are available for 10 euros and offer visitors the opportunity to explore many of the exquisitely decorated rooms and towers inside the building. After touring the castle I would highly recommend taking a hike down to the Mirador de la Pradera, which is a lovely grassy clearing looking up to the castle and offering some truly...