About this place

The Aqueduct of Segovia is located in the city of Segovia, in the Castile and León region of Spain. The city is situated on a rocky bluff between the Eresma and Clamores rivers, approximately 90 kilometers north of Madrid. As of 2025, the population of the city of Segovia is approximately 55,748 people. The aqueduct is the defining feature of the city's landscape and, along with the Old Town, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

History and Function

The structure is a Roman aqueduct, with its construction dated to the latter half of the 1st century AD or the early 2nd century AD. It was built to transport water from the Frío River, with sources in the mountains about 17 kilometers away, to the city's fountains, public baths, and private homes. The aqueduct remained in use for its original purpose for nearly two millennia, supplying water to Segovia until well into the 20th century. A portion of the structure, consisting of 36 arches, was damaged in 1072 during a Moorish conquest and was later rebuilt in the 15th century under the direction of Queen Isabella.

Structural Characteristics

The aqueduct is constructed from thousands of granite blocks, quarried from the nearby Guadarrama Mountains. A notable aspect of its construction is that the blocks were fitted together without the use of mortar or cement; the structure's stability relies on the precise cutting of the stones and the balance of forces. The most visible portion of the aqueduct is the bridge that crosses the Plaza del Azoguejo in the city center. This section reaches a maximum height of 28.5 meters and consists of a two-tiered arcade. In total, the elevated structure has 167 arches. The entire system, including the underground channels, runs for about 15 kilometers before reaching the city.