Castile & Leon

Segovia

Castile and León is the largest autonomous community in Spain with its total area of 94,222km2. It is however, sparsely populated by comparison to many other provinces with its only 2.5 million inhabitants. It consists of the provinces of Ávila, Burgos, León, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid, and Zamora. It does not have an autonomous capital formally stated by law, but Valladolid serves as the de facto autonomous capital. 

León

The House of Light Cathedral

The largest of the provinces is Léon with its 15,581 km2. Close to half a million people live in this province, with about 125,000 in its provincial capital by the same name. The city of León has many prominent buildings worth observing, such as the town cathedral, nicknamed the House of Light, or Pulchra Leonesa. It is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Spain. Built in the 13th century, the cathedral has one of the best collections of  Medieval stained glass in Europe. Equally impressive is the Romanesque house of worship, the Basilica de San Isidoro, from the 11th and 12th centuries. Part of its complex is the underground Royal Pantheon,, which gives visitors a view of one exceptionally well-preserved mural paintings. Other architectural gems in this beautiful town are the Casa Botines, one of only three buildings outside Catalonia designed by Antoni Gaudi's in his characteristic neo-Gothic style. The 16th century Convent of San Marcos today operates as a parador, a Spanish-style luxury hotel. León also has several churches dating back well before the cathedral. The oldest is the Church of San Salvador Palat del Rey from the 10th century. To the north and east are still preserved sections of the Roman Walls that encompassed the city as early as the 1st century BC. Within these old confines is the Barrio Húmedo, the wet quarter, a lively place full of bars and taverns. 

To the north of the city of León is the canyon Hoces de Vegacervera. Hoces de Vegacervera is a protected natural space. It is well worth the visit for a day trip from León or en route to Somiedo Natural Park in Asturias.  

Segovia

Alcazar Castle

Just north of the Sierra Guadarrama, within easy access from Madrid, is the picturesque city of Segovia. Three iconic landmarks make this city well worth a visit. The Roman aqueduct, the Alcazar castle, and Segovia Cathedral, the last one in Europe to be built in Gothic style.

 

Segovia Cathedral

Getting there

It is easy to access Segovia from Madrid. You can go by car, bus, or even highspeed train. The highspeed train goes through a tunnel in the mountains and take you there in only 20 minutes. 

Food (Cochinillo Asado)

When in Segovia, you absolutely have to try the local specialty, cochinillo asado (grilled piglet). See more in the food section. 

What to do

For such a small town, Segovia is awash with museums. 

See museums in Segovia (link to tripadvisor)

Where to stay

Climate

Segovia is at an altitude of about 1,000 metres (3,300ft), 350 metres higher than Madrid and north of the mountain range, meaning it is considerably cooler than Madrid. That is well worth considering as you may need a windbreaker even for summer nights, and warm clothes in winter.  

Cuenca 

Pedraza

Pedraza  

Food

Patatas Revolconas

This dish is commonly served as a tapa throughout the region of Extremadura, and in the towns of Ávila, and Salamanca. It is basically mashed potatoes with bell peppers, bacon, garlic, bacon, and a pinch of spicy paprika, fried in olive oil. 

Torrezno 

Torrezno is a kind of bacon snack readily available as a tap with your drink in most bars across Spain. It is made from the outer parts of the pig's entrails, which have been marinated with salt and paprika, and cured, possibly even smoked. It originally derives from Soria. Should you develop a taste for these fatty snacks, you can also find them in supermarkets. 

Pimiento de piquillo relleno

Pimiento de piquillo, or piquillo pepper, is a type of chili with a sweet taste. Pimiento de piquillo relleno are stuffed peppers, usually with bacalao (codfish), but they could also be stuffed with shrimp, rice and even meat. They are quite popular, especially in the North, and around Christmas. 

Hornazo de Salamanca

Hornazo de Salamanca, deriving, not surprisingly, from Salamanca is a meat pie stuffed with pork loin, spicy chorizo, and hard-boiled eggs.