First time visiting Aqueduct of Segovia in Spain? This guide covers opening hours, entry details, how to get there, what to expect — and nearby attractions.
Overview of Aqueduct of Segovia
The Aqueduct of Segovia is an ancient Roman aqueduct that spans the old city of Segovia, Spain. It runs through the heart of the historic centre, forming a dramatic and enduring landmark of stone arches built without mortar, an extraordinary feat of ancient engineering. The aqueduct’s double-tiered arcade, made of massive granite blocks, towers over narrow medieval streets and remains one of the best preserved Roman monuments on the Iberian Peninsula.
The Aqueduct of Segovia was built by the Romans in the last 1st century or early 2nd century AD – there’s no inscription to provide an exact date. It originally channelled water from a spring several kilometres north of the city into Segovia, supplying public baths, fountains and private houses.
The structure is composed of 25,000 large granite blocks cut and fitted without mortar, held together purely by careful engineering and gravity. Its preservation through nearly two thousand years — surviving earthquakes, wars and urban expansion — makes it one of the finest and most complete surviving Roman aqueducts in Europe, showing the durability and skill of ancient Roman construction.
Walking under and around the arches of the Aqueduct gives a sense of scale and history: the towering granite pillars and precise masonry show how Roman builders created a water channel that once brought fresh water into the city. The aqueduct’s presence defines much of Segovia’s old town character, blending Roman antiquity with later medieval and modern urban layers.
Aqueduct of Segovia access & entry details
There is no formal entry fee to see the Aqueduct of Segovia. The aqueduct runs openly through public streets and plazas in Segovia’s historic centre. You can approach and view it at any time while the city is accessible.
How to visit the Aqueduct of Segovia & practical information
The aqueduct is visible from multiple points across the old town. Notable viewpoints include the plaza where the arches cross the old riverbed — from there you can see the full height of the double-tiered structure. Another good vantage is from elevated walkways or terraces above the old riverbed, which let you see how the aqueduct runs in relation to the city skyline and nearby historic buildings.
Because the aqueduct weaves through narrow streets, many of the best views are within the pedestrianised zone of the old town. If you arrive by car, park outside the restricted historic centre and walk in. The old town’s layout and limited parking make this the most practical approach.
At night the aqueduct is illuminated — the lighting highlights the stone arches and casts dramatic shadows. Visiting after dark gives a very different impression from daytime, and tends to be quieter and less crowded. The day-trippers from Madrid, whether on a specific Segovia tour or a three city outing that also includes Toledo and Ávila, have gone home.
When to visit the Aqueduct of Segovia
Daytime visits allow you to appreciate the precise stonework, the scale of the granite arches and how the aqueduct integrates with city buildings and streets. Early evening or after dark is ideal if you want the illuminated arches and smaller crowds. Late afternoon can offer soft light for photography, especially near the riverbed crossing or elevated viewpoints.
Nearby attractions around the Aqueduct of Segovia
- Alcázar of Segovia — the historic castle-fortress that towers over the city and offers panoramic views across the old town, including the aqueduct.
- Segovia Cathedral — a late-Gothic cathedral located near the old town core, within easy walking distance.
- Other things to do in Segovia include private walking tours, hot air balloon rides and winery tours.
Visitor tips for the Aqueduct of Segovia
- Visiting on foot is the easiest way to experience the aqueduct: use public or peripheral parking if arriving by car, and walk through the historic centre.
- For photography or quieter time, visit early in the morning, late afternoon or after dark when the arches are illuminated.
- Combine your visit with a walking tour of the old town, the cathedral or the castle to fully benefit from Segovia’s compact heritage core.
- Because much of the aqueduct intersects pedestrian areas and narrow streets, expect some foot traffic, especially during peak tourist season. Be prepared for crowds near the main arches and plan accordingly when visiting.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: although the streets are paved, there is considerable walking and some uneven surfaces in old town alleys.
- Keep in mind that the aqueduct is a living historic monument integrated with the city — respect local residents and infrastructure while exploring.
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More Spain travel
Other Spain travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A first time visitor’s guide to Valladolid, Spain.
- How to beat the crowds at Casa Batllo in Barcelona.
- A practical guide to the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Catalonia.
- 10 things Spain does better than anywhere else.
- 6 underrated Spanish cities.
