Beyond the Classroom: Excursions that Inspire

GEO Segovia allows students to learn through organized experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Each week, a portion of class time is spent on walking tours to historical sites throughout Segovia. Short class excursions, day trips, and a weekend excursion* allow students to see, experience, and feel rich history of Spain first hand. Note: Not all of the following attractions are visited in any one term.

Here's a list of Segovia's attractions visited during class time:

Roman Aqueduct – The symbol of Segovia, this the world's best-preserved elevated Roman aqueduct. It was built in the 2nd century AD, is 93 feet tall, and once transported water from a spring  11 miles away in the Guadarrama mountains.

Here you can watch a walking tour presented by professor Laura Arranz (Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition) about the Roman Aqueduct:

Alcázar – One of the most distinctive castle-palaces in Spain, Segovia's Alcázar was originally built as a fortress, but has since served as a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery academy, and, currently, as a museum. It was one of the Castilian monarchs' favorite residences in the Middle Ages, and was a key fortress in defense of the kingdom. Queen Isabel I paraded from the Alcázar to the Plaza Mayor to be crowned queen. King Felipe II and Anna of Austria were married in the castle. Along with a renowned castle in Germany, Segovia's Alcázar influenced the creation of many beloved Disney castles. es un párrafo. Puedes cambiarlo y poner tu propio texto, editar el formato y añadir enlaces.
Here you can watch a video of one of our visits to the Alcázar;


Royal Artillery Academy – Founded in the 18th century, this is Spain's oldest Army officer training center. It participated in some of the most important scientific advances of of the 18th century, and today is the world’s oldest active military academy.

Cathedral – This Segovia landmark is world's last cathedral built in the Gothic architectural style. The cathedral's tower, over 90 meters tall, was once Spain's tallest structure. The cathedral also holds the first mahogany wood imported to Spain from the New World.

Casa de los Picos – Built in the 15th century by a Segovian mayor, this distinctive building has changed ownership throughout the years. Somewhere along the way, 617 granite ‘picos’ were added to the building's facade, so as to preserve "all the sullen rudeness of the medieval character". The building now houses the Art School of Segovia.

Canonjías– One of  Segovia's most interesting neighborhoods, it is the oldest and best-preserved in Romanesque style. Originally, the the bishop who oversaw the governing of Segovia's cathedral lived here; it has since been home to distinguished artists and celebrities.

Eresma Valley – Carved by the Eresma river, this beautiful natural area features impressive views of the Alcázar, and expansive network of walking and biking trails.  The Sanctuary of Fuencisla, along with the monasteries of El Parral and San Juan de la Cruz are also situated in the Eresma valley.



Casa de Moneda – Founded in the 16th century by King Felipe II, this was the first mechanical mint of the State, and revolutionized the way coins were minted. Today it is one of the worlds oldest industrial buildings.

Romanesque Route – Features the finest examples of Segovia’s Romanesque style.

Jewish Quarter – On the southern side of Segovia’s walled city, this district boasts the remains of medieval Jewish synagogues and palaces, along with museums and buildings that evoke Segovia's Jewish past.

Sefardic Museum – An educational center dedicated to the history of Segovia's Sefardic Jews, this museum is in the former house of Abraham Seneor, a prominent Jewish Segovian who held high office during the reign of Queen Isabel.

Here you can watch a walking tour presented by professor Laura Arranz about the Jewish Quarter:


University of Valladolid – Founded at the end of the 13th century, the University of Valladolid is one of the oldest universities in Spain. Together with universities of Palencia, Salamanca and Lérida, the University of Valladolid helped in facilitating one of Western Europe's greatest intellectual movements. With its Segovia Maria Zambrano satellite campus, the University of Valladolid is now the largest university in Castilla y Leon.

Plaza de Toros – Inaugurated in 1805, it is one of the oldest bull-fighting rings in Spain. For two centuries, it has hosted the traditional “corrida de los toros”, having been attended by royalty and celebrities alike. After their wedding ceremony in the Alcázar, King Felipe II and Anna of Austria held their wedding banquet in the Plaza de Toros.

Monasterio de San Antonio Real – Originally the recreational palace of King Enrique IV, brother to Queen Isabel, this space was later converted into a Franciscan convent dedicated to St. Anthony. It features a unique collection of Mudéjar, Gothic and Baroque architectures, along with an extensive collection invaluable artwork. Today it remains as a cloistered convent.

Jewish cemetery  Located on a hill known as “el Pinarillo,” above the Clamores Valley, this historic cemetery is the resting place of many Jewish Segovians. Human-shaped graves, stone-carved funerary mounds, and cave-like tombs have been well-preserved and remain today.

Segovia Museum – Located in the 'Casa del Sol,’ this museum's impressive collection showcases Segovia’s rich history – prehistoric tools, Celtiberian verracos, Roman mosaics, Visigoth enamels, Segovian coins, and religious sculptures and engravings from Rembrandt and others.

Antonio Machado museum – Once home to a renowned Spanish poet, this impressive space is now a museum in the historic heart of Segovia.