Alcazar de Segovia – The Walt Disney Castle in Segovia, Spain

Where is the Alcazar de Segovia?

The Alcazar de Segovia is located in the city of Segovia, Spain, north of Madrid.

The castle is in the north west part of Segovia, right on the limits of the city. It’s a short 8 minutes walk from the famous Segovia Cathedral.

Alcazar de Segovia Facts

Are you fond of facts? I know I am! I love learning more about a place and its history with some quick & interesting facts, so I’ve gathered a few about the Alcazar de Segovia for you:

• the first reference to the castle dates back from 1120; it was nothing more than a wooden fort back then
• the castle that you can see today was completed around 1560 (the Juan II tower around 1430 and the sharp spires on the roof around 1560)
• you can find in the Alcazar de Segovia Disney castle resemblance: legend has it that the castle was the inspiration for the Disney Castle of Cinderella
• the castle was used as a State Prison for almost 200 years, until 1762

Visiting The Segovia Castle

Driving from Madrid, I reached Segovia on a Friday night. After a good night of sleep, I went to explore the Segovia Cathedral in the morning. Around noon, I moved on to the next location, the incredible Segovia Aqueduct.

Before going on the third and last part of my visit in Segovia, I went back to Plaza Mayor looking for something to eat, and found a typical pastry shop: Confitería El Alcázar.

I ended up buying dozen of pastries, I don’t even remember the names but let me tell you I stuffed my face with them (I dare you to enter and leave without buying anything).

After eating what we’ll call a “lunch”, I was on my way to explore the famous castle, Alcazar de Segovia.

I went outside of the city, on the west border. I followed the trail leading to the South-West viewpoint, where I saw the castle for the first time.

Seeing the castle from the side, you truly realize how big the building really is. I kept moving forward on the trail, which lead me back next to the road.

From there, I had a magnificent view over the Alcazar de Segovia, with its Spanish flag flapping in the wind.

This spot is also a good place to rest for a while, sitting on a bench under the cherry blossoms.

After enjoying the blossoms for a while, I kept going on the trail, going up the hill, and soon reached the Mirador del Último Pino.

I love this viewpoint because it gives you a view over 2 of the most iconic monuments in Segovia, the castle and the cathedral.

Finally, I headed to the best spot to see the castle: the Mirador del Alcazar y los dos Valles. This viewpoint gives you the best view over the Segovia Alcazar, where you can see the castle on top of the hill, with all the fortifications below.

The Alcazar Segovia is a stunning monument from the outside; is it as stunning inside?

Let’s visit!

Inside the Alcazar of Segovia

Inside the castle, there are grand palace rooms that you can visit, such as the one below.

As you saw from the outside, the castle is huge; there are thus a lot of different palace rooms to explore.

Among the rooms, you’ll find:

• the Belt Room
• the Hall of the Old Palace
• the Fireplace Hall
• the Throne Room
• the Hall of the Galley
• the Royal Chamber
• the Hall of the Kings
• the Hall of las Piñas
• the Chapel
• the Armory Room
• the Museum of the Royal College of Artillery

The Armory Room

The Weapons Room, or Armory Room, is a very impressive room in the Alcazar de Segovia, filled with relics from the medieval period.

A lot of the original pieces in the Armory are now conserved in the Royal Armoury of Madrid, but don’t worry there is still a lot to see: knight armors, weapons, and more.

The Torre de Juan II

The Torre de Juan II, or Tower of John II of Castile, is the wide tower in front of the castle, that was built around 1430 by King John II.

You can go on top of the tower for a small fee (see prices below), and a small effort (156 steps to climb). When you’ll get on top of the castle, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view over the city, and the best view over the Segovia Cathedral.

If you post your photos of the Alcazar de Segovia on Instagram, tag them with #kevmrc so that we can see them!

The Alcazar de Segovia, Disney Inspiration

Rumor has it that the Alcazar de Segovia is the inspiration for a Disney Castle.

Is it true?

Well, no one really knows.

Some say the castle in Segovia Spain inspired the Disney Castle of Cinderella (or the Sleeping Beauty Castle).

While the two castles do look alike, we can’t know for sure if the Disney team drew inspiration from the Alcazar de Segovia.

However, Disney did confirm that the Cinderella Castle was “inspired by the great castles of Europe”.

So what do you think? Were they inspired by the Alcazar de Segovia? Or by other castles, such as Versailles or the Neuschwanstein Castle?

Alcazar Segovia Tickets

You have to buy a ticket to visit the Alcazar de Segovia.

There are 3 different tickets, depending on if you want to visit the Cathedral only, the Bell Tower only, or both the Cathedral and the Bell Tower.

Here are the prices for Alcazar de Segovia tickets:

Alcazar de Segovia Opening Hours

The opening hours for the Alcazar Segovia varies depending on the time of year, so make sure to check below.

Please note that last entry/last tickets sales are 30 minutes before closing time.

How to Get to el Alcazar de Segovia

You can either get to the castle by car, or by train.

By car

Segovia is a perfect day trip from Madrid, and from other Spanish cities. You’ll find below the driving time from nearby cities:

From Madrid: 1h20 via highway, 1h40 without tolls

From Avila: 1h

From Salamanca: 2h

When you’ll reach Segovia, head to the center of the city. There are few parking lots available next to the castle, so you’re better off leaving the car in the city and walking to the castle.

By train

If you don’t have a car, you can get to Segovia by train from Madrid. There is a high-speed train that goes straight from Madrid to Segovia.

From: Madrid-Chamartin

To: Segovia AV

Duration: 30 minutes

Cost: 13,90€ (average price)

Book here: Renfe Train

You can also take the trains from other cities in Spain (Barcelona, Toledo, …), just click on the link above to see all options.

The Bus Line 9 will take you from the Aqueduct to the castle.

Where to Stay near the Castle in Segovia

If you’re visiting the Alcazar de Segovia and Segovia, you have several options for where to stay. You’ll find below hotels depending on your travel style:

Budget: Hosteria Natura

Cheapest accommodation in Segovia, for around 30€ per night. It comes with private bathroom and free wifi.

This hostel has the best location, it’s right on the main square Plaza Mayor, and everything is within walking distance. There’s also A/C and heating in each room, for your comfort.

Best Prices: Hosteria Natura

Comfy: Hotel Spa La Casa Mudéjar

Very comfy rooms, with private bathroom, for around 65€ per night.

The two nice bonuses? It’s right next to the Cathedral, and there is a spa, the perfect place to go and relax after a long day of exploring Segovia!

Best Prices: Hotel Spa La Casa Mudéjar

Luxury: Hotel Infanta Isabel

If you’re looking for the perfect dreamy place to relax and enjoy your stay in Segovia, look no further.

The Hotel Infanta Isabel might very well be your favorite place in the city; luxurious hotel, with stunning rooms, and incredible beds. What about the location? Well, you’ll have a view on the Segovia Cathedral straight from your room!

Best Prices: Hotel Infanta Isabel

Visit Spain

Planning a trip to Segovia and Spain? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:

Segovia Guides:

Aqueduct of Segovia, the Roman Aqueduct in Segovia

Segovia Cathedral, Complete Guide to Visit

Free Walking Tour of Segovia

Spain Guides:

Best Sunrise Spot in Mallorca

How to get from Madrid to Segovia by Train, Bus or Car

I hope you enjoy your trip to the Alcazar de Segovia and to Spain!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

Photo credits: 11 | 12 | 13