On the first day of our road trip through Spain and Portugal, we set off from Madrid, seeking to take some of the more lightly traveled roads rather than the major highways on our way to Segovia and then on to Burgos. At first our route took us through a very dry landscape, followed by rural areas featuring some pastureland and acres of sunflower fields, with dry, blackened stalks. Gradually we drew close to mountains, and our road began a steady climb in elevation as pine trees became the predominant vegetation. As we neared the summit of the Guadarrama Mountains, we passed through a ski resort town boasting homes and lodges with a distinctly alpine look and a looming ski slope with idle lifts. Quite a change of scenery in only about an hour’s time!

We wound back downhill again and soon came upon the city of Segovia, whose Old Town and aqueduct make up a UNESCO World Heritage site. The two-tiered Roman aqueduct, built in the first century A.D., towers above the city square, its arches and large stone blocks (no mortar used!) drawing the eye upward.    We set off to climb up to more of Segovia’s attractions. Perched at one end of a rocky bluff is the Alcázar,   a medieval castle which has served as a fortress, the royal palace of the kings of Castile, a state prison, a military academy and, currently, a museum. We approached it from one side, following the old walls overlooking vegetable plots below   and passing through a large gateway.    We didn’t have time to visit the interior, but the castle’s many towers,   turrets  and its deep moat    truly impressed.

We continued on through narrow, cobbled streets, circling the cathedral   and admiring its gargoyle-adorned towers.

We eventually made our way back to the aqueduct and prepared to head off on the next leg of our journey. While I was sorry we were able to spend only a few hours here, I was thankful we’d been able to see such fascinating history and architecture during our brief visit. What a great first stop on our travels!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor