Cathedral of Segovia

View from the Plaza Mayor

Method of Transportation: Walking

Transportation Time: Approximately 4 Minutes

Hours: 

     Monday - Saturday: 

     October - March 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

     April - September 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

     Sundays: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Cost: 

     $4.09/€3

     Groups over 20 $2.73/€2

     Free on Sunday

The Cathedral of Segovia is one of the Segovia’s iconic structures. Located in the Plaza Mayor, construction of the cathedral began in 1525 to replace the old cathedral that had been destroyed in 1520[1]. Not consecrated until 1768, the cathedral is the last Gothic age cathedral built in Spain[2].  Due to its longevity, it  has a combination of both late Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Architecture

There are many key features of the cathedral that can be seen from the outside. At the main entrance from the Plaza Mayor is located the statue of the Virgin Mary. The entrance is known as “Puerta del Perdon,” or “Door of Forgiveness[3].”  There is an outer area extending from the cathedral, along with the tower. The tower was used as the home of the bell ringer until the mid-20^th century and today requires special permission to access[4]. The cathedral itself stands one hundred and five meters by fifty meters long and is thirty-three meters high at its tallest point, the center part of the church[5]. With its impressive size and height, the cathedral is one of the most recognizable structures in the Plaza Mayor. The central point is surrounded by “buttresses and pinnacles of ornate Gothic limestone,” which reflect its 16^th century origin[6].

"Puerta del Perdón"or Door of Forgiveness

Once inside the cathedral, photographs are not allowed unless in the outside walkway. Artifacts are sensitive to light, which can cause deterioration of the artifact. Deterioration is defined as when an “object reaches a state of physical and chemical equilibrium with its immediate environment,” and occurs inevitably[7]. It is important to preserve these artifacts and allowing photographs can cause damage over time. The artifacts must have consistently maintained light, temperature, and relative humidity in order to be properly conserved; inadequate light levels can cause physical and chemical deterioration to artifacts[8]. Specific to the cathedral are a number of old books, paintings, and tapestries that are extremely light-sensitive.

Inside the Late-Gothic Cloister

Inside, the cathedral is surrounded by historic artifacts. The inside of the cathedral alone includes eighteen chapels and an archive that contain various artifacts from various centuries, reflecting the history of Segovia. Some of these artifacts include 16^th century hymn books and tapestries, “el Cristo Yacente” or the Recumbent Christ statue by Gregorio Fernández, and two full size baroque pipe organs[9]. The 16^th century stain glass windows and altarpiece display the history of the prominent Catholic culture of Segovia. The archives of the cathedral also contain and preserve over five hundred early printed books, including Sinodal de Aguilafuente, which was the first book printed in Spain[10].

Inside the Late Gothic-Cloister

The cathedral is still in use and has a regular service every Sunday. It echos the changes throughout its time and is one of the most remarkable structures in the Plaza Mayor. Serving as a historic symbol of the town and its history, the cathedral remains a monument to the history of Segovia.  

Works Cited

“Catedral.” Segovia!. Turismo de Segovia, 2014. http://www.turismodesegovia.com/es/que-ver/monumentos/catedral. (accessed January 30, 2014).

“Segovia Cathedral.” Spain.info. Sociedad Estatal para la Gestión de la Innovación y las Tecnologías Turísticas, 2013. http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/arte/monumentos/segovia/catedral_de_segovia.html. (accessed January 30, 2014).

 “Museum Collections Environment.” NPS.gov. NPS Museum Handbook, 1999. http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/MHI/CHAPTER4.pdf. (accessed January 30, 2014).  

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[1] “Catedral,” Segovia!. Turismo de Segovia, 2014, http://www.turismodesegovia.com/es/que-ver/monumentos/catedral (accessed January 30, 2014).

[2] “Segovia Cathedral,” Spain.info. Sociedad Estatal para la Gestión de la Innovación y las Tecnologías Turísticas, 2013, http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/arte/monumentos/segovia/catedral_de_segovia.html (accessed January 30, 2014).

[3] “Catedral,” Segovia!. Turismo de Segovia, 2014.

[4] Ibid.

[5] “Segovia Cathedral,” Spain.info. Sociedad Estatal para la Gestión de la Innovación y las Tecnologías Turísticas, 2013.

[6] “Catedral,” Segovia!. Turismo de Segovia, 2014.

[7] “Museum Collections Environment,” NPS.gov. NPS Museum Handbook, 1999, http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/MHI/CHAPTER4.pdf (accessed January 30, 2014).  

[8] Ibid.

[9] “Catedral,” Segovia!. Turismo de Segovia, 2014.

[10] Ibid.

Aqueduct of Segovia

Aqueduct

Method of Transportation: Walking
Transportation Time: Approximately 8 Minutes
Cost: $0/€0

The aqueduct of Segovia is one of the town's most famous landmarks. Believed to have been constructed during the first century, the aqueduct is a testament of Roman influence in Spain[1]. The exact date is of construction is estimated to have been 50 A.D., given excavation evidence and the comparison of its construction to other Roman structures, but is not entirely known[2]. It is of note that not only was the aqueduct constructed, but that it is still fully intact today. Other Roman aqueducts were constructed in Spain in the cities of Sevilla, Toledo, and Calahorra, but are no longer standing[3]. The Segovia Aqueduct has 167 arches and stands 813 meters long; at its tallest point it stands 28.5 meters high[4]. It was declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site in 1985, along with the old town part of Segovia[5].

Top of Aqueduct[6]

Bringing water into the town for centuries, the construction of the aqueduct still remains a mystery. The aqueduct was constructed without sealant, held together by its counteracting forces[7]. Since there is not a definite known method of construction of the aqueduct, there are many legends surrounding its structure. One popular legend suggests that the aqueduct was created by the devil and that the holes in the stones are the devil's marks, earning it the name "Puente de Diablo," or Devil's Bridge[8].

Devil's Mark Holes

Over the centuries, there has been little change done to the aqueduct. In 1072 during a Muslim attack, thirty-six of the arches were damaged and were later repaired in the 15^th century[9]. There has been some intentional changing of the aqueduct, which is reflective of the cultural changes of Segovia. There were two alcoves that were thought to once contain statues of pagan gods, but were replaced with images of San Sebastián and the Virgin Mary by Catholic monarchs[10]. However, there are relatively recent damage to the aqueduct that have occurred during the last century. Vehicles were allowed to pass under the aqueduct until recently, which caused “disintegration of the masonry[11].” In addition, Segovia is an urban town and gas pollutants have caused some decaying of the stones[12].

Walking into Segovia 

The aqueduct is one of the most recognizable landmarks throughout the town. Free to view and easily accessible, it is a helpful direction and meeting point from anywhere in the town. Just to the right on the way into the town (see above photo for reference point) are stairs that lead to a panoramic view of both the town and the majority of the aqueduct. An incredible structure, the aqueduct remains one of the most famous constructions in Segovia.

Works Cited

“Acueducto.” Segovia!. Turismo de Segovia, 2014. http://www.turismodesegovia.com/es/que-ver/monumentos/acueducto. (accessed January 27, 2014).

“Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct.” UNESCO.org. UNSECO, 2014. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/311. (accessed January 27, 2014).

“Segovia Aqueduct.” Spain.info. Sociedad Estatal para la Gestión de la Innovación y las Tecnologías Turísticas, 2013. http://www.spain.info/en/reportajes/el_acueducto_de_segovia_la_huella_del_imperio_romano_ee_castilla.html. (accessed January 27, 2014). 

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[1] “Acueducto,” Segovia!. Turismo de Segovia, 2014, http://www.turismodesegovia.com/es/que-ver/monumentos/acueducto (accessed January 27, 2014).

[2] “Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct,” UNESCO.org. UNSECO, 2014, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/311 (accessed January 27, 2014).

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] “Acueducto,” Segovia!. Turismo de Segovia, 2014.
[6] Ibid. Note: It is illegal to climb to climb on the top of the aqueduct, which is why the picture of the top of the aqueduct is from a source.

[7] Ibid.

[8] “Segovia Aqueduct,” Spain.info. Sociedad Estatal para la Gestión de la Innovación y las Tecnologías Turísticas, 2013, http://www.spain.info/en/reportajes/el_acueducto_de_segovia_la_huella_del_imperio_romano_en_castilla.html (accessed January 27, 2014).  

[9] “Acueducto,” Segovia!. Turismo de Segovia, 2014.

[10] Ibid.

[11] “Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct,” UNESCO.org. UNSECO, 2014.

[12] Ibid.

Overview

     

     This study will provide an overview of historic sites and museums in Spain. It will examine the importance of these places in regard to their historic and cultural significance. From this analysis, a photo documentary blog will be created to detail the research and presentation of these places. It will also take into consideration the locations of these places and the means by which to reach them. The purpose of this study is to compare Spanish historic sites and museums with the arrangement of those of the United States.

     The significance of this study is for both historical and travel purposes. From a history standpoint, the study will provide an overview of the historic sites and museums and their cultural relevance to Spain. The comparative analysis of these places to those of the United States will also give a better understanding of how historic sites and museums are managed in Spain. This can be of use for both the fields of history and museum studies and to museum professionals. From a travel standpoint, it will also provide detailed directions of how to reach these places and how difficult or easy they are to locate from the base point of Segovia, Spain, which is north of Madrid. This can be of use to travel websites, the AHA International program, and the Office of Study Abroad.

     As a history major and museum studies minor, this project is also of personal significance. It will allow for a better understanding of the history and cultural aspects of Spain, as well as furthering academic research within the discipline of history. At a professional level, it will provide potential advancement for future travel and historical and museum research within an international museum career field.

     This study will be completed during the spring 2014 and fall 2014 semesters. Data collection and analysis will occur within the spring semester, while the comparative analysis will be completed in the fall upon return to the United States in April for finalization in the fall semester.

     The spring 2014 semester will consist of gathering data while in Spain and using the information collected for a photo documentary blog through the Google-run website Blogger at http://spain-historical-and-museum-analysis.blogspot.com/. Each location will have its own post within the blog. Each entry will include: name of location, cost, transportation and transportation cost from Segovia, accessibility of the location, the history of the location, and its cultural significance to Spain in a minimum of 500 words per post, along with three photos with captions per location.