Segovia Cathedral – The Complete Guide [+best viewpoints]
The Segovia Cathedral is a marvel of Gothic architecture, and the icon of Segovia, Spain. It’s stunning from the outside, and holds many treasures inside.
Want to visit for yourself?
This guide has everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Let’s jump right in!
The Segovia Cathedral is impossible to miss when you visit Segovia. The huge monument dominates the city skyline, and you’ll see its huge bell tower sticking out above the rooftops from a lot of places around the city. This marvel of architecture is undoubtely one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe.
Whether you decide to visit the cathedral (hint: you really should!) or simply gaze upon the magnificent architecture from the outside, the Catedral de Segovia will be a highlight of your Segovia trip.
In this travel guide about the Segovia Cathedral in Segovia, Spain, you’ll find in the table of contents below everything that we’ll see, from visiting the cathedral & finding the best viewpoints to opening hours, entry fee and more.
Simply click on the table to expand it, then click on any part you’d like to jump to.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Where is the Segovia Cathedral?
- Interesting facts about the Catedral de Segovia
- Visiting The Segovia Cathedral
- The 6 Best Viewpoints of the Segovia Cathedral
- Segovia Cathedral Entrance Fee
- Segovia Cathedral Opening Hours
- How to Get to the Cathedral – Segovia
- Where to Stay near the Segovia Cathedral
- Visit Spain
Where is the Segovia Cathedral?
The Segovia Cathedral is located in the city of Segovia, Spain, north of Madrid.
The cathedral is in the north west part of Segovia, in the Old Quarter. It’s on the Plaza Mayor, not far from the famous castle, the Alcázar de Segovia.
Interesting facts about the Catedral de Segovia
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 Catedral de Segovia for you:
- the cathedral was built in 1577. The construction started in 1525, and took more than 50 years
- it’s the last Gothic cathedral that was built in Spain
- the previous Cathedral was built next to the castle; it was destroyed by the Comuneros in the war, in 1520
- the Catedral de Segovia was built by 2 generations of master stone builders: Juan Gil de Hontañón and his son Rodrigo
- the bell tower is 88 meters high (295 feet)
Visiting The Segovia Cathedral
After getting off of work on Friday afternoon, I took a cab to the car rental company, to retrieve my car for the weekend. I signed all the necessary paperwork, checked for damages on the car, took photos of the car (always useful!), and then I was on my way to Segovia!
My airbnb for the night was next to the Plaza Mayor, so I drove all the way to there. The first view I got of the Segovia Cathedral was from my car, as I drove on the main square.
The cathedral was lit up by yellow lights, and even if the sky was pitch black, I could see how stunning it really was. The amount of details on the facade and all the towers is just incredible!
When I headed back to the cathedral the next morning, after a good night of sleep, I was able to truly behold the magnificent cathedral under daylight.
The Segovia catedral is a stunning monument from the outside; is it as stunning inside?
Let’s visit!
The 21 Chapels
Inside the Segovia Cathedral, there are 21 chapels (a chapel is a place of individual worship). Each chapel is different, with different ornaments, decorations, and paintings. Each chapel is unique, yet they are all stunning in their own way.
The one thing I loved about these chapels is that they are all equipped with light-sensor. They are dark, but when you approach, the light automatically turns on so that you can truly enjoy the sight of the chapel.
The Cloister
After checking out all of the 21 chapels inside the cathedral, I saw light streaming from one of the door. I decided to follow the light, and to explore the next part of the monument.
The door led to the cloister, a grand Late Gothic style cloister with trees and a small garden in the middle.
One really impressive fact about the cloister is that it was transferred from the old cathedral (destroyed in war) to the new one.
Yep, transferred.
They straight up disassembled the cloister, and rebuilt it in the new cathedral, just like lego blocks. Mind. Blown.
The Chapter Hall
By going through the cloister, you’ll access the next room, the Chapter Hall (or Chapter Room).
The Chapter Room is a pretty impressive room, covered in tapestries: there are 11 tapestries in the room
You’ll also notice the magnificent ceiling, built in the late 16th century. All white and gold, it adds to the overall grandeur of the place.
The Cathedral Museum
Not many people know this, but there is a museum under the Segovia Cathedral.
Find the stairs going down (I don’t recall exactly where there are, I think they are next to the Chapter Hall), and they will take you to the underground museum.
I was very surprised to find a museum under the Cathedral, and honestly it made the visit even better. In the museum, you’ll find paintings, depicting various religious scenes; all of the paintings are incredibly well conserved!
The museum ends with a spacious room, decorated with one big painting, in 3 parts.
You can’t really tell from the photo above, but this painting is truly massive! When I turned the corner down the hall, and got to this room, I was literally left speechless for a few minutes. The painting is a true masterpiece.
The Secret Backdoor
Here’s one tip for you: you can access a private open area in the back of the cathedral, where you’ll have a different view of the monument.
When you’re standing in front of the 3-parts painting (see above), there will be a small door on your left. Simply open the door, and walk outside.
Go up the steps, and you’ll be in the secret backyard of the church. I loved the peace and quiet of this space, next to the street but perfect to relax and enjoy the view of the cathedral.
The Bell Tower
The last part of the Cathedral in Segovia is the bell tower: an impressive 88 meters high bell tower (288 feet).
On fixed times during the day, you can actually go up the tower with a guided tour (check below for hours).
The guided tour will take you up the tower, right under the 10 massive bells. From the top, you’ll have the best view over the whole city of Segovia, all the way to the castle.
The 6 Best Viewpoints of the Segovia Cathedral
The Catedral de Segovia is the symbol of Segovia, and it dominates the whole skyline of the city.
As a photographer, I’m always looking for the best views, and Segovia was no exception.
Today I’m sharing with you my 6 best viewpoints of the Segovia Cathedral, all around the city.
1 – Plaza Mayor
The most obvious spot to see the cathedral is from the main square in Segovia, the Plaza Mayor.
The square offers a nice view up-close, and you can really appreciate all the details of the facade.
As you might expect, the square gets pretty crowded during the day, so you’ll need to wake up early if you want to capture it without anyone in your photo.
2 – Private Backyard
If you go into the cathedral, you can access the backyard. The private backyard offers a different view of the Segovia Cathedral, from the back.
3 – Mirador Sancti Spiritu
The next viewpoint is down the road, heading south of Segovia.
It offers a view of the Catedral de Segóvia from below; as you look up to the cathedral, you see it stick above the fortified walls of the city.
4 – South-West Viewpoint
The South-West viewpoint offers the second best view of the Segovia Cathedral.
Located high on the hill, above the road, you are at eye-level with the cathedral. You can walk all along the hill to have different perspectives of the cathedral.
From there, you also have a nice view over the Alcazar de Segovia.
It’s a nice place to sit down, and enjoy lunch on the bench, with a stunning view over Segovia.
5 – Torre de Juan II, Alcazar de Segovia
The best view of the cathedral, hands down! To get this view, you’ll have to go all the way up the 152 steps of the Juan II tower, part of the Segovia castle.
From the top of the tower, you’ll see the cathedral with the mountains in the background, and you might even get to see the snow-capped mountains!
Price:
(2.50€)Effort:
(8 minutes walk from the cathedral + 152 steps to climb)Location: Alcazar de Segovia
6 – Mirador Zamarramala
The last spot on this list of 6 best viewpoints of the Segovia Cathedral is the Mirador Zamarramala (try saying this fast lol).
I love this viewpoint because it gives you a view over both the castle and the cathedral. The only downside is that it’s pretty far from both, so it’s more a photography spot (bring your zoom lens!) than a viewpoint per sé.
If you post your photos of the Segovia Cathedral on Instagram, tag them with #kevmrc so that we can see them!
Segovia Cathedral Entrance Fee
You have to buy a ticket to visit the Segovia Cathedral.
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.
Children under 6 years old: Free entry
Sundays from 9:30am to 1:30pm: Free entry
Buy your tickets here: Official Website
Segovia Cathedral Opening Hours
The opening hours varies depending on the time of year, so make sure to check below. Also, you can only go up the Bell Tower at fixed times, that you’ll find below:
Bell Tower – 10:30am / 12:00pm / 1:30pm / 4:30pm
See all times here: Catedral de Segovia Horarios
How to Get to the Cathedral – Segovia
You can either get to the basilica 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, drive straight to the Cathedral: there are a lot of parking lots in the area, you can follow the signs to find one.
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.
Where to Stay near the Segovia Cathedral
If you’re visiting the Segovia Cathedral 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 Spain? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:
Segovia Guides:
Alcazar de Segovia, the Walt Disney Castle in Segovia
Acueducto de Segovia, the Roman Aqueduct
Spain Guides:
How to get from Madrid to Segovia by Train, Bus or Car
I hope you enjoy your trip to the Catedral de Segovia and to Spain!
If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.
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Is the Cathedral the best of Segovia? Or is it the Alcazar? No need to compare, they are both magnificent. I am reading this post from my room in the Hosteria Natura. There is another transportation option from Madrid. Avanza Bus leaves twice an hour from the station above Metro stop Moncloa. It is comfortable, only takes a few minutes longer than the train and costs only 4.22 Euros, 70% less.