Segovia's Historical Churches Walking Tour (Self Guided), Segovia

The Segovia Cathedral, an awe-inspiring Late Gothic masterpiece, reigns majestically atop the highest point of the Old Town, exerting its dominance over the surrounding landscape. Positioned strategically, it offers panoramic views of the city and the picturesque Sierra de Guadarrama foothills.

Dating back to 1525, the Segovia Cathedral stands as the final Gothic cathedral constructed in Spain, and its magnificence is evident in its intricately designed façade and soaring towers. The remarkable Puerta del Perdón entrance, a creation by Juan Guas, showcases exquisite craftsmanship.

Stepping into the cathedral's vast vaulted interior, visitors are greeted by the grandeur of Gothic architecture. Bathed in the vibrant hues of stained-glass windows, the sanctuary, extending 105 meters in length, emanates a sense of tranquility and balance.

The cathedral houses 20 chapels, adorned with fine sculptures, artworks, and altars, each enclosed by ornate grilles. The main altarpiece, a masterpiece crafted from marble, jasper, and bronze, features a 14th-century ivory figure of the Virgen de la Paz, captivating all who behold it.

For enthusiasts of ecclesiastical artifacts, the Museo Catedralicio de Segovia presents liturgical objects, religious paintings, and 17th-century tapestries within 18 chapels of the cathedral. The museum's collections boast noteworthy works crafted from gold and silver, spanning the 15th to 18th centuries. Additionally, masterpieces of religious painting and tapestries from the School of Rubens grace its halls.

The cathedral is also home to the Archivo Capitular, an archive room preserving over 500 antique songbooks, documents, manuscripts, and books, including the Sinodal de Aguilafuente, Spain's first printed book. Visitors can explore this treasure trove from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 1 pm.

Regular masses take place at the cathedral from Monday to Saturday at 10 am, and on Sundays and holidays at 11 am and 12:30 pm. Tourists can visit the cathedral, with an admission fee, from Monday to Thursday between 9:30 am and 7:30 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm, and on Sundays from 12:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Guided tours of the cathedral and its tower, conducted in Spanish, are available for an additional fee.

The Church of Saint Michael is situated in the Plaza Mayor of Segovia, within the fortified walls of the city that have been designated as a Historic Site since July 12, 1941. This church holds great significance as a center of community life and organization, intimately connected to the history and collective memory of Segovia. It served not only as a place of worship but also as a political and administrative hub, witnessing important events and hosting public activities. For instance, the coronation of Queen Isabella the Catholic took place within its walls, and its atrium functioned as the meeting place for the city council.

Following the collapse of the original Romanesque temple of San Miguel in 1532, a decision was made in 1536 to construct a new church in a slightly shifted location. The construction of the new church was completed in 1587, representing the final phase of Gothic architecture. The architectural design, spatial arrangement, and vaulting system of the Church of Saint Michael suggest the influence of Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón, the master builder associated with the construction of the new Segovia Cathedral. As the successor to the vanished Romanesque temple, the Church of Saint Michael retains its ancient dedication and incorporates materials salvaged from the previous structure, both on its exterior and interior.

The church boasts several remarkable features, including the funerary complexes found in the Rueda chapel. These complexes house the alabaster tombs of the alderman Diego de Rueda and his wife, created by the workshop of Juan Rodríguez. Additionally, the chapel dedicated to the illustrious Segovian doctor Laguna (1510-1559) is a noteworthy space. Dr. Laguna, a respected physician, humanist, and philologist who enjoyed prestige at the courts of Emperor Charles V and Pope Julius III, is honored in this chapel. It is regarded as one of the most exceptional spaces of its kind in Segovia.

Saint Martin's Church offer a glimpse into the architectural and artistic wonders of the city's history. The splendid church, dating back to the 12th century, stands as a remarkable example of Castilian Romanesque architecture. This magnificent church showcases a wealth of artistic treasures and holds a special place in Segovia's cultural heritage.

One of the notable features of Saint Martin's Church is the Gothic Capilla de Herrera, which houses the tombs of the Herrera family. This chapel adds an element of grandeur to the church's interior. Within the the Main Chappel, you will find a remarkable recumbent figure of Christ sculpted by the renowned artist Gregorio Fernández, demonstrating the skill and artistry of the period.

The church boasts an impressive collection of artworks. A marble plaque depicting Saint Martin catches the eye, paying homage to the church's namesake. The richly carved capitals adorned with floral motifs and scenes from the Bible add a touch of intricacy and beauty to the architectural elements. Additionally, the triptych by Flemish painter Adriaen Isenbrandt contributes to the church's artistic significance, offering a glimpse into the fusion of different artistic styles.

Facing the church is the charming San Martín Square, a picturesque square that adds to the overall ambiance of the area. The square features a fountain adorned with two mermaids, creating an enchanting focal point. Ascending the steps to the square, you'll come across the impressive Tower of the Lozoya, a 16th-century tower that stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the time. Its grand presence adds a touch of magnificence to the surroundings, enhancing the overall charm of Saint Martin's Square.

The Church of the Holy Trinity is a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture. The church features a single nave covered by a half-barrel vault, with a curved apse preceded by a straight section. On the south side, there is an atrium, a characteristic element of Segovian Romanesque architecture. The north side of the church includes a Gothic chapel and two Baroque sacristies.

Externally, the apse is partially concealed in a narrow alley. It is divided into three panels by two half-columns and adorned with two horizontally aligned windows featuring angled columns and decorated capitals. The exterior is finished with a projecting cornice adorned with cane-shaped elements representing fantastic or real figures.

The church's interior is particularly striking, with two levels of stacked arches supported by historiated capitals. These capitals showcase intricate plant motifs, fantastical creatures, and other sculptural and iconographic details. Some remnants of the original polychrome decoration can still be seen. The southern side of the church features a porticoed gallery, a characteristic feature of Segovian Romanesque, with semicircular arches supported by double columns adorned with simple yet elegant plant decorations.

The church boasts two portals. The western portal, though simple in construction, features rounded arches resting on beautiful capitals adorned with insects and flora. Above the doorway, there is a window that illuminates the main nave, while the side portal, accessed from the atrium, showcases exquisite capital decorations.

The current church, constructed in the 12th century, replaced an earlier 11th-century structure whose remains were discovered after the demolition of a Baroque chapel in 1984. The oldest part of the current church is the apse and the west portal, while the atrium is a later addition. In 1513, the Campo chapel was built, featuring an Elizabethan Gothic-style doorway with a lowered arch topped by an ogee decorated with cardinas. During the 17th century, the church's interior was redecorated with baroque plasterwork in line with the prevailing tastes of the time.

The Church of Saint Stephen is a medieval church located in Segovia. Dating back to the 12th century, it is renowned for its remarkable Romanesque bell tower, which holds significant cultural and historical value. The tower itself has been recognized as a Property of Cultural Interest and has been under protection since 1896 when it was designated a National Monument.

In 1985, the Church of Saint Stephen became part of the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct. UNESCO's decision to include Segovia in its list of World Heritage Sites was influenced by the city's exceptional architectural treasures, including several notable Romanesque churches.

The Church of Saint Stephen stands as a testament to the city's medieval religious heritage. Its enduring presence and architectural beauty make it a notable landmark within Segovia's historic landscape. Visitors to Segovia have the opportunity to appreciate the rich cultural legacy represented by this ancient church and witness the harmonious blend of Romanesque architecture within the city's architectural ensemble.

The Church of San Andrés stands as a Catholic temple in the heart of the Square of Mercy. The square was once home to the Our Lady of Mercy convent, which was established in 1367. Positioned on the west side of the square, the church has undergone alterations over time but still retains two apses that showcase its original Romanesque style. These apses feature semicircular windows, columns, capitals, corbels, and Byzantine moldings. The tower of the church, consisting of three sections, is plastered and crowned with a sharp spire covered in slate. It was reconstructed in 1943, maintaining its distinctive appearance. The original north doorway remains intact, while the south portal houses a statue of the titular saint.

Upon entering the church, visitors will discover its interior composed of three naves. The central nave is the original structure, while the lateral naves were added later, resulting in the disappearance of the atriums. The main altarpiece consists of two levels, featuring statues in the center and paintings on the sides. These paintings were created by the Segovian artist Alonso de Herrera.

Additionally, the church holds sculptures of the titular saint and the Savior, crafted by the renowned sculptor Gregorio Fernández. The interior also includes the altar from the adjacent demolished convent of the Mercedarios and several images of the Pilgrims Hospital. Noteworthy sculptures housed in the church include Our Lady of Mercy, San Ramón, and San Pedro Nolasco.

The Church of San Andrés stands as a place of worship and historical significance, embodying the architectural and artistic heritage of Segovia. Its Romanesque features, artistic adornments, and rich history make it a compelling destination for visitors seeking to explore the city's cultural treasures.

Located on a secluded road just outside the historic town the Church of the True Cross stands as a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture. Designated as a National Monument, this splendid church was established in the 13th century by the Knights Templar. "Vera Cruz" translates to "True Cross," paying homage to the sacred relic associated with Christ's crucifixion.

This remarkable church features a nave with a dodecagonal (twelve-sided) floor plan, encircling a small central two-story shrine, known as an edicule. The original construction displays a Romanesque style transitioning towards Gothic, and subsequent additions include three apses, a semi-circular sacristy, and a square-shaped tower.

The architectural design of the church draws inspiration from the Roman baptisteries of early Christianity, particularly the Dome of the Rock and the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Various Crusader Orders, including the Templars who were headquartered in the Holy Land, replicated this layout in their churches in different locations such as London, Paris (now demolished), Tomar, and the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Torres del Río, Navarre.

The exterior wall of the church is constructed with ashlar stones, adorned with small semicircular arrow windows that allow light to permeate the interior. The structure is fortified with buttresses at its edges to provide structural support.

The tower of the Church of the True Cross features a square floor plan and a gable roof. Comprising four levels, the final level houses the bells and exhibits two semicircular arch windows on each side. The base of the tower is further reinforced with buttresses. Within the nave, remnants of the original mural decoration can still be seen, along with two niches—one dedicated to the patron saint of the Order of Malta, Our Lady of Philermo, and the other honoring the patron saint, St. John the Baptist.

The centerpiece of the church is the edicule, a small two-story shrine situated in the center. Accessible through a double staircase leading to the lower floor, the main entrance is located beneath this staircase. The second floor of the edicule is crowned by a caliphal dome, featuring an altar adorned with Mudéjar decoration. The lower floor, marked by four pointed arches aligned with the cardinal points, is adorned with ribbed vaulting.

The Church of the True Cross holds religious ceremonies for the Knights of the Order of Malta, and its significance is underscored by the notable processions that take place, particularly the procession of Good Friday, which includes the solemn parade of the Lying Christ and the Lignum Crucis. During this procession, the Knights of the Order of Malta don black choir habits.

The Church of the True Cross welcomes the public from Tuesday to Sunday, opening its doors for exploration between 10 am and 1:30 pm, as well as from 4 pm to 6 pm (extended to 7 pm during the summer season). However, please note that the church remains closed on Mondays.