ALCÁZAR OF SEGOVIA
Castilla y León, Spain
The site above the confluence of the Ríos Eresma and Clamores was occupied by a Roman fortification, and is such a superb defensive position it is no surprise that a Castle was built here around 1085 after Alfonso VI conquered Toledo and forced the Moors into southern Spain. It seems likely the Moors too had a fortress here, alcaçar is an Arabic word. The first Castle was almost certainly built of wood and nothing remains of it today.
The earliest surviving remains date from the reign of Alfonso VIII (1158-1214). The keep was always the centre of the defensive structure, but a courtyard with attendant buildings always seems to have existed and this was, over the ensuing centuries, turned into a palace. The Juan II Tower (pictured left) is the dominant part of the Castle when approached from Segovia town and also dates back to this early period.
The Castle became the home of the Kings and Queens of Castile. In the 15th century Juan II had many alterations made to the Castle. But it was Enrique IV (1454-1474) who has become most closely linked with Segovia. Possession of the Castle became a significant factor in the fight for the throne of Castile during Enrique's reign. His sister succeeded him and rode from the Castle to the Plaza Mayor in the town to be proclaimed Queen of Castile.
In 1521 a siege took place at the Castle. Although the Castle never surrendered the Cathedral in Segovia was completely destroyed. Felipe II was the last King to pay Segovia much interest and its last great event was his second marriage to Anne of Austria in 1570.
In March 1862 a terrible fire gutted the Castle - everything that could burn was destroyed and even the stonework was badly damaged. In 1882 restoration began, and although the plan of the original was more or less kept intact the architects couldn't resist romanticising the Castle with some over-elaborate touches.
Sadly on the occasion of my visit no access was being allowed to the John II Tower, which denied me some excellent views of the rest of the Castle and the surrounding countryside, but it was still a very exciting Castle to visit. There can also be no doubt that Segovia is one of Spain's most wonderful Cities - what with the Alcázar, town walls, Cathedral and best of all the astonishing Roman Aqueduct.
© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions and Andrew J. Müller
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2001
