Granada's Alhambra, Cordoba's Mezquita, Merida's Roman theatre, Avila's city walls, Empuries' ruins, Burgos' Cathedral and Segovia's Aqueduct are just some of the historical monuments that, over time, different cultures and civilisations have left Spain, making it a country with a rich and varied historical and cultural heritage. Today's post is about Segovia's most-cherished monument, the aqueduct, built almost 2000 years ago by the Romans and surrounded by a fascinating legend and history.
The girl who almost sold her soul to the devil
Nowadays, we have all kinds of technologies to help us overcome uneven ground, like lifts, escalators and vehicles, but this was not always the case. There is a popular legend surrounding Segovia's Aqueduct. Many years ago, a brave little girl had to climb a steep mountain every day with an empty pitcher to get water from a spring at the top.
The girl grew so tired of this arduous journey that she decided to make a pact with the devil. She asked him to build something that would make her daily chore easier. The devil decided to build an aqueduct but on one condition: if he completed it before the cock crowed, she must give him her soul.
Regretting her plea, the girl saw how the devil quickly got to work and frantically started to pray that he would not finish in time. Just when there was only one stone left to lay, the sun rose and the cock crowed.
Defeated by dawn, the devil failed to claim the girl's soul.
In the hollow where the last stone was never laid, now stands a statue, which is believed to honour Our Lady of Cabeza, a symbol of protection and salvation.
Almost 2,000 years of history
Segovia's aqueduct is a masterpiece of Roman engineering and its exact construction date has long been the subject of debate. Although there is no legible inscription with precise information, archaeological studies have provided some clues about its origin.
For many years its construction was dated to the 1st century AD, during the reigns of the emperors Domitian, Nerva and Trajan. However, in 2016, new archaeological findings were made that suggested that it was slightly later, after 112 AD, during the reign of Trajan, or in emperor Hadrian's earlier years from 117 AD onwards.
In ancient times, the aqueduct supplied Segovia with water from the river Frio, located 17 km away in the La Acebeda region. It travelled approximately 15 km before reaching its final destination. The water was collected in a tank called El Caserón and then travelled through a channel to a second tower known as "Casa de Aguas". There, the water was drained and impurities were removed before continuing on its way.
The aqueduct was built in line with principles established by Vitruvius – a renowned Roman architect – in his work De Architectura published in the 1st century BC. It consists of a series of arches, some single and some double, supported by pillars. From the entrance to the city to the Plaza de Díaz Sanz, there are 167 arches in total. The highest point of the aqueduct reaches 28.5 m, including its foundations.
Within the walled city of Segovia, there was a water distribution system, although precise details are not yet fully known. It is understood that the water followed an underground route, which has recently been marked on the city's pavements.
Now that you have both versions, which one do you find more interesting? Whichever you choose, you will certainly never look at this impressive monument in the same way again.
Living in Torrox: Costa del Sol's sunniest spot
Located on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol, in the Axarquía region, you’ll find Torrox. This whitewashed municipality makes a rather bold claim: to have the best climate in Europe. Its position, sheltered by mountains and moderated by the Mediterranean, creates genuinely mild winters and pleasant summers, making the idea of living in Torrox particularly appealing. Home to around 20,000 people, including a considerable number of international residents from Britain and Germany, which
Things to do in San Sebastian: pintxos, beaches and city views
Located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, in Spain's Basque Country, San Sebastián—or Donostia, as it's known in Basque—is a city that effortlessly combines Belle Époque elegance with its status as a world-class foodie playground. It's framed by the glistening bay of La Concha on one side and rolling green hills on the other.
Spanish passport ranking 2025: how powerful is a passport from Spain?
For those considering a move or already living in Spain, the strength of the local passport is a significant factor. A passport's ranking is a global measure of travel freedom, essentially counting the number of destinations its holder can visit without arranging a visa in advance. Spain consistently features near the top of these lists, offering its citizens remarkable mobility across the world.
A look inside Spain's UNESCO heritage cities
Spain has an extraordinary number of entire towns and cities recognised as World Heritage Sites, places where the streets themselves tell centuries-old stories. In these UNESCO heritage towns, Roman, Moorish, and Renaissance history aren't just scenery for a quick visit; it's the backdrop to everyday life, and it’s easy to find yourself wondering what it would be like to call one home. The sheer scale of this heritage is quite something, and getting a sense of Spain's UNESCO World Heritage sit
Spain's World Heritage story: 10 must-see UNESCO sites
Spain is brimming with cultural treasures, including ancient Roman structures, mind-bending modern architecture and history-defining rock art. To give you an idea of how significant the history is here, the city of Córdoba holds the record for the most UNESCO recognitions in the world. In fact, Spain has one of the highest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
Valencia's best public swimming pools to cool off this summer
With the arrival of warmer weather, finding a spot to escape the heat becomes a priority for both residents and visitors. In this regard, Valencia’s municipal swimming pools offer one of the best options for cooling off, enjoying the sun and spending a special day out with the family as an alternative to the beach. Discover which pools will be open in 2025.
7 lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain
When most people think of UNESCO sites in Spain, their minds usually jump to the Alhambra or Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona. And while they're undoubtedly must-sees, they're just the start of the story. Spain is one of the top nations for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, with an incredible list of protected spots. Some of Spain's lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage sites are the places that offer a different sort of experience, giving you a quieter glimpse into the country's deep history and