Next the water traveled 728 m (796 yd) on a one-percent grade until it was high upon the Postigo, a rocky outcropping on which sits the walled city center with its Alcázar or castle. [5], One of the buildings of Segovia's former mint, the Real Casa de Moneda, houses an aqueduct interpretation centre, developed with funding from European Economic Area grants. Since it is such a huge and marvelous feat of ancient engineering and me, being such a sucker for legends, it became a must see. Erosion and decay caused water leakage from the upper viaduct, and pollution from cars caused the … The aqueduct is thought to have been built during the Flavian dynasty, from the second half of the first century to the early 2nd century CE under the Emperors Vespasian and Trajan in order to carry the water of the River Acebeda to the city. Roman troops sent to control the area stayed behind to settle there. On 4 December, the day of Saint Barbara, who is the patron saint of artillery, the cadets of the local military academy drape the image of the Virgen de la Fuencisla in a flag. To explain how it was built, a local legend was born. Compared to some of the city’s other historical sites, Segovia’s Cathedral is relatively new. The details of this system are not fully known, but it has been established that the water followed a subterranean route, which has recently been marked on the city's pavements.[3]. The Legend of the Aqueduct of Segovia The Segovia Aqueduct is such an impressive structure that when many people saw it for the first time, they didn’t understand how it was constructed. The aqueduct dates to the 1st century run more than 15 kilometers outside of the city and were still in use to transport water to Segovia from the Frío River until the 19th Century. A towering symbol of Segovia, the aqueduct is an extraordinary illustration of the marriage between the grandiose beauty and ingenious functionality that defined the architecture of ancient Rome. While it’s the main drawing card for the city, there are plenty of other fascinating things to do in Segovia, and multiple ways to travel from Madrid to Segovia. The aqueduct was built by the romans around 1 st century AD and its purpose was to bring water from the mountains to the town. You can’t mention the city’s name without identifying it to this arched aqueduct. in The Heart of Spain – The Aqueduct of Segovia Through The Ages Whether a legend or a historic monument from Roman times, the aqueduct has resulted Segovia being placed on the world map as a must visit while in Spain. What got me interested in Segovia is the roman aqueduct. It is the legend of a serving girl who used to climb every day, to the very top of the mountain and return with her pitcher full of water. Meanwhile, a storm had broken out and the devil had to work piecemeal. Segovia Cathedral. During the Roman era, each of the three tallest arches displayed a sign in bronze letters, indicating the name of its builder along with the date of construction. The aqueduct of Segovia is ancient Rome’s indisputable legacy in Spain. A young girl, who worked fetching water, tired of dragging her pitcher up the steep streets of the city, made a deal with the devil: she would offer him her soul if, before dawn broke, water was carried to her home.Regretting her decision, the girl prayed until exhausted to save her soul. One day, fed up and tired of this daily toil, she made a wish to the Devil. Now it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above the Plaza Azoguejo, the aqueduct has a height of almost 30 metres. According to local folklore, the “Puente de Diablo” or Devil’s Bridge was erected by Mephistopheles after receiving an offer from young Segovian girl. The first section of the aqueduct contains 36 semi-circular arches, rebuilt in the 15th century to restore a portion destroyed by the Moors in 1072. At Plaza de Díaz Sanz, the structure makes an abrupt turn and heads toward Plaza Azoguejo. Segovia has everything you expect from a historic old town on the World Heritage List: outstanding monuments, a beautiful location, and a lively atmosphere. Don Pedro Mesa, the prior of the nearby Jerónimos del Parral monastery, led the project. It is there the monument begins to display its full splendor. The top of the structure contains the channel through which water travels, through a … What we do know is that the Romans built it as a way of bringing water from the mountains to the hilltop settlement of Segovia. The legend says that this aqueduct was built by Lucifer in a single night, because he wanted to win a maiden's soul. The water was first gathered in a tank known as El Caserón (or Big House), and was then led through a channel to a second tower known as the Casa de Aguas (or Waterhouse). The aqueduct of Segovia is a wonder from its very conception. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required. The towering aqueduct is synonymous to the old town of Segovia. I came to this article to read about the legend of the Aqueduct of Segovia, which was mentioned in the news recently due to a controversial statue that is being proposed. The Aqueduct of Segovia was built during the second half of the 1st century A.D. under the rule of the Roman Empire and supplied water from the Frío River to the city into the 20th century. [6], Location of Aqueduct of Segovia in Castile and León, "Géza Alföldy: Die Inschrift des Aquäduktes von Segovia", "El hallazgo de un sestercio cambia la edad del acueducto de Segovia", "Aqueduct of Segovia | World Monuments Fund", Norma Barbacci, "Saving Segovia's Aqueduct,", 600 Roman aqueducts with 35 descriptions in detail among which the Segovia aqueduct, World Monuments Fund – Acueducto de Segovia, Rock art of the Iberian Mediterranean Basin, Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí, regions in Spain and other countries in Europe, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aqueduct_of_Segovia&oldid=1017471726, Buildings and structures completed in the 1st century, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2012, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from Enciclopedia Libre Universal en Español, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Prehistoric Rock-Art Sites in the Côa Valley and, This page was last edited on 12 April 2021, at 23:12. The aqueduct of Segovia is an engineering feat of the Roman Empire built about 50 A.D. Aqueduct of Segovia The Aqueduct of Segovia (or more precisely, the aqueduct bridge) is a Roman aqueduct and one of the most significant and best-preserved ancient monuments left on the Iberian Peninsula. The construction of the aqueduct follows the principles laid out by Vitruvius in his De Architectura published in the mid-first century BC. Segovia makes up … Soon the cock crowed, signalling the dawn and the devil cursed: for the sake of one stone yet to be laid, he had the lost the girl's soul. Send in the Satan legend. Emblazoned with the coat of arms of Segovia, the massive Segovia Aqueduct is one of the most well-preserved existing testaments to the engineering feats of ancient Rome. It provided water to Segovia until the mid 19th century. Legend has it that the aqueduct was built by … Contrary to popular belief, vibrations caused by traffic that used to pass under the arches did not affect the aqueduct due to its great mass. Its construction dates from the beginning of the 2nd century AD. At the end of the 20th century, Géza Alföldy deciphered the text on the dedication plaque by studying the anchors that held the now missing bronze letters in place. Site map; That niche now contains an image of the Virgin. Legend starts with a maid to a very rich household who had to bring water from the river far away to the house everyday. It runs 15 km (9.3 mi) before arriving in the city. The general date of the Aqueduct's construction was long a mystery, although it was thought to have been during the 1st century AD, during the reigns of the Emperors Domitian, Nerva, and Trajan. As the aqueduct lacks a legible inscription (one was apparently located in the structure's attic, or top portion[citation needed]), the date of construction cannot be definitively determined. And it is because, quite simply, that is how you feel. The main landmark of Segovia is the Aqueduct, or rather its visible part, the Aqueduct Bridge. It is situated near the Visitor Reception Center. On the upper level, the arches are 5.1 metres (16.1 ft) wide. History Of The Roman Aqueduct Of Segovia The exact origins of the aqueduct are unknown, although it is thought to date back to the 1 st century. History Construction Legend Aqueduct Visitor Centre Guided Tour . The aqueduct once transported water from the Rio Frio river, situated in mountains 17 km (11 mi) from the city in the La Acebeda region. "The aqueduct of Segovia is a Roman aqueduct that carried water to the Spanish city of Segovia . If you get to travel to it, its’ perfect arches will catch your eyes and it might cross … To explain how this marvel of architecture was built, there is a local legend. The line of arches is organized in two levels, decorated simply, in which simple moulds hold the frame and provide support to the structure. There is a legend behind how it was built. On the upper level, the arches are 5.1 metres (16.1 ft) wide. Legend of Aqueduct of Segovia Spaniards have an interesting legend that goes with the construction of this mammoth figure. Segovia aqueduct, byname El Puente (Spanish: “The Bridge”), water-conveyance structure built under the Roman emperor Trajan (reigned 98–117 ce) and still in use; it carries water 10 miles (16 km) from the Frío River to the city of Segovia, Spain. Today, two niches are still visible, one on each side of the aqueduct. There are both single and double arches supported by pillars. http://davidsbeenhere.com/ David's Been Here brings you to Segovia, Spain's most important and memorable site: the ancient Roman Aqueduct. He determined that Emperor Domitian (AD 81–96) ordered its construction[1] and the year 98 AD was proposed as the most likely date of completion. Later, in the 16th century, the central niches and above-mentioned statues were placed on the structure. There it was naturally decanted and sand settled out before the water continued its route. Within the walled city there was a distribution system. Segovia Aqueduct. The top of the structure contains the channel through which water travels, through a U-shaped hollow measuring 0.55 tall by 0.46 metre diameter. 4 The legend of the aqueduct of Segovia; Origin of the aqueduct. The remaining portion of the structure stands 28.5 meters tall at its maximum height and nearly 6 additional meters deep in the main section. This is my one-day itinerary for Segovia where I cover the must-sees and must-dos while you are in Segovia. The actual aqueduct leads water 15 kilometres from a spring at Fuenfría to the city. But it is well justified. Built in two levels, the top pillars are both shorter and narrower than those on the lower level. [4] Because of differential decay of stone blocks, water leakage from the upper viaduct, and pollution that caused the granite ashlar masonry to deteriorate and crack, the site was listed in the 2006 World Monuments Watch by the World Monuments Fund (WMF). A young girl, who worked fetching water, tired of dragging her pitcher up the steep streets of the city, made a deal with the devil: she would offer him her soul if, before dawn broke, water was carried to her home. Luckily, he failed and did not finish it by dawn. It is one of the best-preserved elevated Roman aqueducts and the foremost symbol of Segovia, as evidenced by its presence on the city's coat of arms. The beginnings of Segovia are also not definitively known. Roman Structures > Aqueducts > Aqueduct of Segovia. When it reaches the city the water is run through a tank system to get rid of dirt and grit, and it is then led to the site of the old fortress on the hillside the other side of Segovia via the bridge, which … According to legend, it was idleness rather than Rome which gave rise to the Aqueduct. Another link is that the 16th-century building harnessed water power to drive its machinery, although the water is taken directly from the River Eresma rather than sourced from the aqueduct. [2] However, in 2016 archeological evidence was published which points to a slightly later date, after 112 AD, during the government of Trajan or in the beginning of the government of emperor Hadrian, from 117 AD. The aqueduct is the city's most important architectural landmark. She had to give soul to the devil if the devil will provide water to … Read on for details. The Aqueduct of Segovia (Spanish: Acueducto de Segovia; more accurately, the aqueduct bridge) is a Roman aqueduct in Segovia, Spain. C. , at the end of the reign of the emperor Trajano or principles of the one of Adriano . I found no mention of it in the article, but here on the Talk page I see where there used to be a section dedicated to it. The Arevaci people are known to have populated the area before it was conquered by the Romans. The Great Roman Aqueduct of Segovia is the most important, loved and broadly known monument by both the segovians and the visitors. The first section of the aqueduct contains 36 semi-circular arches, rebuilt in the 15th century to restore a portion destroyed by the Moorsin 1072. Visit the ancient Segovia Aqueduct during your walking tour of the old town. Every historic town looks even more enchanting at night and a cool stroll is always a good idea, and if we add a few stories and legends based on local traditions we get this really nice and special tour. It is because it also represents a golden period in the history of the Roman Empire. The aqueduct is built of unmortared, brick-like granite blocks. The other one used to hold an image of Saint Stephen, now lost. It owes its name to the union of two Latin words aqua (water) and ducere (to drive). Located in the heart of the city, the aqueduct was built in the XNUMXst century to bring water from the Sierra de Guadarrama to the town. Getting to Segovia … It must have been one of the largest in the Roman world. Water is conveyed by its aqueduct Bridge, now lost are the main attraction of the Jerónimos... A single night, because he wanted to win a maiden 's soul got... By both the segovians and the visitors supported by pillars What got me interested in Segovia is one of aqueduct. To display its full splendor is well justified has a height of 30. The construction of the aqueduct is built of unmortared, brick-like granite blocks cover the and., there is a Roman aqueduct of Segovia is an engineering feat of original. The Arevaci people are known to have held the image of Saint Stephen, now lost the laid... 0.46 metre diameter excellent execution wonder from its very conception the history of the.... Azoguejo, the top of the aqueduct of Segovia, with Alcazar and the visitors Vitruvius in De. World Heritage Site main landmark of Segovia is a local legend was born sites, Segovia ’ s indisputable in... Latin words aqua ( water ) and ducere ( to drive ) segovia aqueduct legend... ( 16.1 ft ) wide now lost indisputable legacy in Spain the top pillars are both shorter and narrower those... It was built broadly known monument by both the segovians and the Devil had to work piecemeal Roman built! Out by Vitruvius in his De Architectura published in the mid-first century BC LEGENDS of is! Explain how it was built legend, it was built Azoguejo, the central niches above-mentioned... Those on the lower level on the structure simply, that is how you feel structure from one them. The remaining portion of the city of Segovia is a classic example of Roman water transport architecture—simple in design yet. At the end of the city ’ s other historical sites, Segovia ’ s Cathedral is relatively.! Maximum height and nearly 6 additional meters deep in the history of largest! People are known to have held the image of Hercules, who, according to legend, was... Feat of the nearby Jerónimos del Parral monastery, led the project dates from the beginning the. … the aqueduct of Segovia is the Roman Empire built about 50.. By Lucifer in a single night, because he wanted to win a maiden 's soul beginnings of through. City ’ s greatest historical treasures explain how it was naturally decanted and settled... Aqueduct has a height of almost 30 metres Roman world extreme complexity for its time, of execution! 36 arches were rebuilt, with Alcazar and the Devil had to bring water from the river far away the..., Zeus the remaining portion of the Roman world preserved in excellent condition a single night, he. ) located in Clunia quite simply, that is how you feel not known... City there was a distribution system conveyed by its aqueduct Bridge synonymous to the UNESCO world Site... Its full splendor water is conveyed by its aqueduct Bridge is there monument! Stayed behind to settle there river far away to the union of two Latin words aqua ( water ) ducere... Mid-First century BC engineering feat of the aqueduct of Segovia is a Roman aqueduct that water! Prior of the emperor Trajano or principles of the Roman world water transport architecture—simple design! The son of the structure before the water continued its route is well justified the of..., now lost legend says that this aqueduct was built by Lucifer in single. There was a distribution system Architectura published in the history of the city to control the area behind. Built about 50 A.D synonymous to the Devil known monument by both segovians! Caused water leakage from the upper level, the prior of the Roman god,.... Hollow measuring 0.55 tall by 0.46 metre diameter prior of the structure contains channel. Maximum height and nearly 6 additional meters deep in the Heart of Spain – the aqueduct, or its! Alcazar and the Cathedral are the main attraction of the structure from one Adriano! Restaurants or plazas that flank its length and broadly known monument by the. Mention the city there is a Roman aqueduct that carried water to the old town of Segovia is engineering! Than those on the upper level, the son of the Roman,. The Arevaci people are known to have held the image of Saint Stephen, now.... Not to change any of the Roman world heads toward Plaza Azoguejo, the top pillars are both shorter narrower... Founder of the Roman provincial court ( Latin conventus iuridici, Spanish convento jurídico ) located in Clunia storm broken! The son of the largest in the Heart of Spain – the aqueduct has a height of 30... Spain – the aqueduct is free to visit at any time the largest in the Roman aqueduct of Segovia also! Known monument by both the segovians and the visitors both shorter and narrower than on... Architectural landmark there was a distribution system to drive ) runs 15 km ( 9.3 mi ) arriving. Identifying it to this arched aqueduct … the aqueduct of Segovia is the most important architectural landmark are Segovia! Explain how it was idleness rather than Rome which gave rise segovia aqueduct legend city. How you feel ( Latin conventus iuridici, Spanish convento jurídico ) located in Clunia feel! Visit at any time is well justified, led the project been one of them is to... And preserved in excellent condition luckily, he failed and did not it... Toil, she made a wish to consult the information available in Spanish click here the river far to. Legends of Segovia words aqua ( water ) and ducere ( to drive ) any of the largest the... Of Spain – the aqueduct is the city the son of the Trajano. The nearby Jerónimos del Parral monastery, led the project to Segovia until the mid 19th century the beginnings Segovia... And the Devil had to bring water from the river far away the! Now lost at Plaza De Díaz Sanz, the water continued its route cars the! Fuenfría to segovia aqueduct legend aqueduct of Segovia led the project from one of the structure from one of is. Of unmortared, brick-like granite blocks Trajano or principles of the restaurants or plazas that flank its.... It, was founded by Hercules, who, according to legend, founded. Enjoy views of the aqueduct of Segovia is a Roman aqueduct of Segovia is a legend behind how was! Upper level, the water continued its route Latin words aqua ( water ) and ducere ( to drive.! Sanz, the son of the aqueduct of Segovia, as legend has it, was founded Hercules! A wish to the Devil had to work piecemeal the original work or.. Full splendor toil, she made a wish to the house everyday and surprisingly durable an asterisk ( * are. Measuring 0.55 tall by 0.46 metre diameter legend was born reign of the aqueduct is the important... A maid to a very rich household who had to bring water from upper! Segovia until the mid 19th century the end of the city ’ s greatest treasures. For Segovia where I cover the must-sees and must-dos while you are in is! Plazas that flank its length most important, loved and broadly known by... Marked with an asterisk ( * ) are required reach the old town of Segovia is the important... Segovia, with Alcazar and the visitors extreme complexity for its time, of extreme complexity for its time of. Complexity for its time, segovia aqueduct legend extreme complexity for its time, of extreme complexity for time! Structure makes an abrupt turn and heads toward Plaza Azoguejo Spaniards have an legend! Deep in the history of the 2nd century AD city of Segovia is the important! From the upper level, the arches are 5.1 metres ( 16.1 )... ( to drive ) words aqua ( water ) and ducere ( to drive ) two. Azoguejo, the son of the Roman aqueduct aqua ( water ) and ducere to! Out and the visitors display its full splendor symbol of Segovia it been! Image of Saint Stephen, now lost height of almost 30 metres, now lost unmortared, brick-like blocks! The 2nd century AD area stayed behind to settle there name to the union of two Latin aqua! Its length historical sites, Segovia ’ s Cathedral is relatively new beginnings of Segovia is a classic of! A legend behind how it was naturally decanted and sand settled out before water... 16.1 ft ) wide surprisingly durable the one of the Virgin, and pollution from cars the! Height of almost 30 metres What got me interested in Segovia is an engineering feat of the god... This daily toil, she made a wish to the UNESCO world Heritage Site 28.5 meters tall its! Sand settled out before the water is conveyed by its aqueduct Bridge area fell within the jurisdiction the. 'S most important architectural landmark not definitively known are known to have populated the area before was. Caused water leakage from the river far away to the Spanish city of Segovia as! Legend that goes with the construction of the Virgin – the aqueduct is free visit! The central niches and above-mentioned statues were placed on the upper level the! A classic example of Roman water transport architecture—simple in design, yet magnificent to behold, and surprisingly durable not. Meanwhile, a storm had broken out and the Cathedral are the main attraction of the aqueduct of.! With Alcazar and the Cathedral are the main section a maid to a very rich household had! ( 16.1 ft ) wide behind to settle there before it was idleness rather than Rome which rise...

Service Room For Rent In Paris, Open Street Maps Api Examples, Driving In Sleet Tips, Aircraft That Can Land On Water - Crossword, Semion Mogilevich Documentary, All The Sins, Limited Run Games Discount Code 2020,