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| 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].
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| 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].
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| 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 15th 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].
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| 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).
[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.
[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.
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