Segovia Restoration?
 

I am planning a trip to Madrid late April. A aside trip I am considering staying a couple of nights in Segovia. However, the latest Fodor's says that Segovia is undergoing a massive restoration until sometime in 2001 and that many of the monuments and plazas are not accessible. Does anyone have any recent info on if the restoration is finished or has anyone been to Segovia recently to let me know if I should still plan on going? Thanks for any input.

The info in Fodors is incorrect. Sorry, Fodors! Don't know why that statement went to print. There have been several questions on the Forum lately about it. I was in Segovia last July well after the scaffolding had come down from the restoration of the Aqueduct, and I saw only one church in my visit to the city which was undergoing restoration-the one on the way to the Hotel Los Linajes (San Esteban?, I think). The city is an absolute delight to visit. Ger was just there a few days ago, so I hope she sees this and can reassure you with a recent report.<BR>

David:<BR><BR>As Maribel says, I was in Segovia just last week and it was the highlight of my trip - don't remember any scaffolding but everything looks as if recently restored (as does all of Madrid).<BR><BR>The aqueduct looks like it was built yesterday, the castle is stunning, the cathedral magnificent (actually there was a little bit of restoration work in progress in the cloisters off the main cathedral but very minor). Segovia is such a sun filled city - it radiates light.<BR><BR>The most extraordinary sight for me was viewing the town (walls of pale yellow to warm ochre stone and burnt sienna rooftops), in contrast with the harsh dark gray of the mountains which were still topped with snow with a backdrop of a cerulean blue sky.<BR><BR>David, it is wonderful, please go! (I took some digital pics which I will send to you if you would like).<BR><BR>Maribel, if you are still "listening", while wandering around the back-streets in Segovia, I happened upon a small church - San Justo Iglesia - which had the most extraordinary "Naïve" mural (very early Christian, almost Byzantine) over the alter. A nice old gentlemen spent about 10 mins explaining its history and significance, but it was lost on me as I don't speak Spanish - any knowledge of it? David you must see it if you can find it.<BR><BR>Regards … Ger<BR>

Ger,<BR>Still "listening" and what a perfectly beautiful description of Segovia you just gave!<BR>I've never visited the San Justo church, but it's now on my list. One of my Segovia guidebook does say that it has lovely Romanesque frescoes (circa 1200s) in the apse, which I shall be sure to see during our 2 day stay there in June. Thanks!<BR>

Just back from a full day in Segovia today. Just an amazing day; beautiful, sunny, and no restoration works at the Aqueduct nor the Cathedral to report.

As a side note, recommended restaurants in Segovia, La Concepción (Plaza Mayor), Duque (calle Real, 12), José María (calle Cronista Lecea, 11; very close to where we stayed, Hostal Plaza, there is a fruit store nearby with fresh fruits), and La Cocina de Segovia (Paseo Ezequiel González, 26). Also recommended is La Taurina near Plaza Mayor, but beware the decoration is heavy on bullfighting motives (there is the head of a bull nailed to a wall). Candido is worth a stop, the place is like a museum, overpriced, though.