Alcázar of Segovia, Castle in Segovia, Spain.
The Alcázar of Segovia is a palace on a limestone outcrop where the Eresma and Clamores rivers meet, with thick granite walls and a tall tower on the western side. The interior consists of several floors with weapon collections, throne halls, and royal chambers connected by stone staircases and long corridors.
The fortress was built in the 12th century under King Alfonso VIII as a royal residence and reached its height in the 15th century under Henry IV and Isabella I. A major fire in 1862 destroyed many interior spaces, which were then reconstructed.
The name Alcázar comes from Arabic and means fortress, a reminder of Moorish influence in the early days of this site. Visitors can walk through rooms with carved wooden ceilings and painted wall friezes that reflect the aristocratic taste of Castilian kings.
Access to the palace is through the main gate on the eastern side, and most rooms are reached by stairs that may be difficult for people with limited mobility. On sunny days, the terraces and tower offer clear views over the old town and surrounding valleys.
The chapel preserves a Gothic altar from the 15th century that was saved and restored after the fire. Some windows on the upper floor still show original glass panes from the Moorish period, among the oldest in the building.
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