Saturday, May 18: Day 26 – Aqueduct

Back to the aqueduct in the morning. It is spectacular – about 90 feet tall at the highest point and 10 miles long – much of it underground. It’s the first double arch aqueduct I’ve seen.We walked the entire above ground section in the old city which stretches about 3/4 of mile. There are 167 total arches in this span. This aqueduct was built in the 1st and 2nd centuries by the Romans. It was still delivering water through the mid 19th century.Markers on the ground indicate parts of the subterranean sections in the old city.In the square near the tallest point of the aqueduct is a statue and plaque commemorating the bi-millennial anniversary of Segovia in 1974. Wow – 2,000 years!On the other side of the square is a merry go round with unusual figures.The northwest end of the aqueduct reaches the Alcázar, a spectacular 12th century medieval castle they say inspired Disney’s castle. The Alcázar was originally built as a fortress but has served as a royal palace, a state prison, the Royal Artillery College and a military academy since then and now a museum. As a fortress it was never breached. As we entered, I told the ticket seller that I was 65 and retired (jubilado). He said with a serious face, “I don’t believe you.” I guess he hears that claim from a lot of people. I showed him my Ohio driver’s license and thanked him for the compliment of being “carded”.Back in the city this weekend the Titirimundi International Puppet Festival of Segovia is taking place. There are puppeteers and marionettists from around the world. Of course, everywhere we go in Europe there are festivals! Segovia is filled with families with young children. Here is the street performer we liked the best.