I’m not sure I ever dreamed of being a princess as a little girl. My parents would need to verify that, but I do know that I just had my first opportunity to tour a real castle! Perhaps you have had the pleasure of putting your feet to the stone, tile or granite floor of a castle. Growing up in New York state I did not. Infact the only castle I know of in the USA is Walt Disneys! True fact, the castle in Segovia is said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

Looking out at the Cathedral from the Castle tower.

The castle is known as the Alcazar. It’s located in Segovia, a town of 52,000 people about 90 kilometers north of Madrid. We took a day trip to this charming location because, well, we wanted to see a castle. The Alcazar has been around since the Romans. It was named the Alcazar in 1155 and actually burned down in 1862. (Wait, how does stone burn you ask? It actually destroyed the wooden roofs) What stands today is an enhanced and lavish reconstruction. The history is richer than this and wikipedia would love to share it with you.

I came away from the castle appreciating magnificent ceilings, the grandiose size of the spaces and what a moat really looks like. I also understand why historic figures are clad in heavy robes, because there is NO WAY they could heat all that space. The people of the past were accustomed to cold. My friend Richard shared that braziers were put under the tables in the great halls with cloths that fell to the floor on either side. Those sitting at the table would have their legs and feet in the warm space below. This history dates back to the 17th century Spanish warming tables and perhaps beyond.

Another fabulous day of soaking up the culture and history of Spain.