Segovia

Segovia, an old city of Spain, stands at the northern foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama, 32 miles NNW. of Madrid. It occupies a rocky eminence 3300 feet above sea-level, is surrounded by ruinous walls with round towers, and consists of narrow uneven streets, with old, quaint, and stately houses, and numerous parish churches and convents. The fortress or castle is perched on the west extremity of the rocky height, and was originally Moorish, but has been gradually restored since its destruction by fire in 1862; its towers and windows command magnificent views. The cathedral (1521-77) is one of the finest specimens of Late Gothic in Spain. The grand aqueduct, built in the time of Trajan, is a very fine example of Roman architectural work. It consists of two rows of arches, the one resting upon the other, some 2600 feet long and 102 feet high. Wool-scouring and the manufacture of paper, pottery, and cloth are languidly carried on. Pop. (1887) 14,399. Segovia was a place of importance during the time of the Romans, and was frequently the residence of the kings of Castile and Leon. Charles I. of England lodged at the castle, September 13, 1623, and sipped on 'certaine trouts of extraordinary greatness.' The unresisting town was sacked in 1808 by the French.—The province of Segovia has an area of 2714 sq. m. and a pop. (1887) of 154,457.