| Important Information about London to Stonehenge Trip | |
|---|---|
| Duration of Trip | 1 Day |
| Best Time to visit | Jun-Sep |
| Type of Trip | Road Trip |
| Total Distance | 178.7 km |
| What is South England Famous for | History, Art & Culture |
Plan a Day Trip to Avila & Segovia from Madrid
Madrid is surrounded by some amazing towns, most of which, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many of these places are located less than an hour’s drive from the city. Plan a day trip to the city of Ávila and Segovia in Madrid, Spain. These two beautiful cities are filled with stunning city walls, castles, Gothic palaces, cathedrals, and the most famous roman aqueduct in the world, and more!
Both the city of Avila and Segovia are rich in history, and the proximity between the cities means that you can explore both of these cities on a day trip from Madrid. You can also book a rental car to cover most of the places. The rental car will allow you to see major landmarks at your leisure.
Avila
Start your day trip from the city of Ávila, one of the oldest and the best-preserved fortifications in Spain. The city of Avila is cherished for its formidable medieval walls that surround the old town. The city walls were built between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries. The 90 fortified towers and 2.500 meters of walls surround the old town and defend its numerous monuments, including its various Gothic palaces, Romanesque churches, and a twelfth-century fortified cathedral.
Being the birthplace of Saint Teresa, many pilgrims also flock to Ávila. The city of Avila is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its historic old town, Extra-Muros Churches, and Roman walls. Spend some time walking around the Old Town to discover the impressive history of this city. Visit Romanesque style churches, Gothic palaces, and a fortified cathedral of the Middle Ages. Visit the Walls of Ávila, marvel at the fortification and towers, which have granted the city a World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.
Best things to do in Ávila, Spain:
The Walls: The Walls of Ávila surround the historic downtown. This UNESCO listed site is among the finest city’s defenses in the world.
Convento de Santa Teresa: Dedicated to Ávila’s most famous saint, Santa Teresa, there are a few things that make this 17th-century convent unique. Discover the history of one of the great mystics and religious women of the Roman Catholic Church here.
Basilica de San Vicente: With granite walls, a kind of mosaic of lighter and darker stones, this is one of the greatest achievements in Romanesque architecture in Spain.
Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas: A monastery of the Catholic Monarchs in Gothic style in Ávila, Spain. It is also the burial place of John, Prince of Asturias. The site also contains a museum of natural sciences and a museum of oriental art.
Segovia
Next, head to Segovia, which is only 45 minutes from Avila. The city of Segovia overflows with culture and history, as you can marvel at the world’s most famous Roman aqueduct, which is 16km long and runs through the middle of the city. This Roman aqueduct is Segovia’s postcard par excellence. The double arches supported by towers are splendidly located to entice the visitors. The city center of Segovia was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the many historic buildings like the Cathedral, known as the Dama de las Catedrales Españolas (Lady of the Spanish Cathedrals) and the Alcázar, the country’s most spectacular castle.
Many other medieval Romanesque churches can be found around the city, along with opulent renaissance palaces. The best thing about Segovia is how unique it feels. Wander through the old Jewish Quarter of the city and head towards the Alcazar of Segovia. The castle (Alcazar) and the church has amazing architecture and design that you might not have seen anywhere else.
Best things to do in Segovia, Spain:
Aqueduct of Segovia: an amazing structure is one of Europe’s greatest Roman monuments.
Alcázar of Segovia:a famous castle & church that has Roman and Moorish origins.
Segovia Cathedral: a magnificent building located in the former Jewish Quarter was constructed in an old-fashioned gothic style and is one of Europe’s newest original gothic structures.
Walls of Segovia:The three-kilometer long walls were built by King Alfonso VI for the city defenses.