At the end of the 20th century, Géza Alföldy deciphered the text on the dedication plaque by studying the anchors that held the now missing bronze letters in place. The other one used to hold an image of Saint Stephen, now lost. Roman troops sent to control the area stayed behind to settle there. It is situated near the Visitor Reception Center. The Aqueduct of Segovia was built during the second half of the 1st century A.D. under the rule of the Roman Empire and supplied water from the Frío River to the city into the 20th century. Within the walled city there was a distribution system. It must have been one of the largest in the Roman world. LEGENDS OF SEGOVIA TOUR. It runs 15 km (9.3 mi) before arriving in the city. Every historic town looks even more enchanting at night and a cool stroll is always a good idea, and if we add a few stories and legends based on local traditions we get this really nice and special tour. A towering symbol of Segovia, the aqueduct is an extraordinary illustration of the marriage between the grandiose beauty and ingenious functionality that defined the architecture of ancient Rome. The aqueduct of Segovia is a classic example of Roman water transport architecture—simple in design, yet magnificent to behold, and surprisingly durable. 4 The legend of the aqueduct of Segovia; Origin of the aqueduct. It is because it also represents a golden period in the history of the Roman Empire. The aqueduct once transported water from the Rio Frio river, situated in mountains 17 km (11 mi) from the city in the La Acebeda region. The aqueduct is built of unmortared, brick-like granite blocks. Its construction dates from the beginning of the 2nd century AD. The Segovia Aqueduct is free to visit at any time. According to local folklore, the “Puente de Diablo” or Devil’s Bridge was erected by Mephistopheles after receiving an offer from young Segovian girl. There is a legend behind how it was built. The top of the structure contains the channel through which water travels, through a U-shaped hollow measuring 0.55 tall by 0.46 metre diameter. If you wish to consult the information available in Spanish click here. The first reconstruction of the aqueduct took place during the reign of the King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, known as Los Reyes Católicos or the Catholic Monarchs. The Satanic statue is intended to sit 200 meters from Segovia's famous Roman-era aqueduct as, the city council says, "a nod to the legend" which … The aqueduct of Segovia is ancient Rome’s indisputable legacy in Spain. Erosion and decay caused water leakage from the upper viaduct, and pollution from cars caused the … Another link is that the 16th-century building harnessed water power to drive its machinery, although the water is taken directly from the River Eresma rather than sourced from the aqueduct. The Great Roman Aqueduct of Segovia is the most important, loved and broadly known monument by both the segovians and the visitors. Legend starts with a maid to a very rich household who had to bring water from the river far away to the house everyday. The construction of the aqueduct follows the principles laid out by Vitruvius in his De Architectura published in the mid-first century BC. And it is because, quite simply, that is how you feel. The remaining portion of the structure stands 28.5 meters tall at its maximum height and nearly 6 additional meters deep in the main section. Segovia Aqueduct. The water was first gathered in a tank known as El Caserón (or Big House), and was then led through a channel to a second tower known as the Casa de Aguas (or Waterhouse). [4] Because of differential decay of stone blocks, water leakage from the upper viaduct, and pollution that caused the granite ashlar masonry to deteriorate and crack, the site was listed in the 2006 World Monuments Watch by the World Monuments Fund (WMF). One day, fed up and tired of this daily toil, she made a wish to the Devil. The beginnings of Segovia are also not definitively known. The main landmark of Segovia is the Aqueduct, or rather its visible part, the Aqueduct Bridge. One of them is known to have held the image of Hercules, who, according to legend, was founder of the city. Legend has it that the aqueduct was built by … The first section of the aqueduct contains 36 semi-circular arches, rebuilt in the 15th century to restore a portion destroyed by the Moorsin 1072. The legend says that this aqueduct was built by Lucifer in a single night, because he wanted to win a maiden's soul. [citation needed] WMF Spain brought together the Ministry of Culture, the regional government of Castilla y León, and other local institutions to collaborate in implementing the project, and provided assistance through the global financial services company American Express. The aqueduct is the city's most important architectural landmark. To reach the old city, the water is conveyed by its aqueduct bridge. There are both single and double arches supported by pillars. Send in the Satan legend. What we do know is that the Romans built it as a way of bringing water from the mountains to the hilltop settlement of Segovia. The Aqueduct of Segovia (Spanish: Acueducto de Segovia; more accurately, the aqueduct bridge) is a Roman aqueduct in Segovia, Spain. Soon the cock crowed, signalling the dawn and the devil cursed: for the sake of one stone yet to be laid, he had the lost the girl's soul. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required. The area fell within the jurisdiction of the Roman provincial court (Latin conventus iuridici, Spanish convento jurídico) located in Clunia. It had been kept functioning throughout the centuries and preserved in excellent condition. Whether a legend or a historic monument from Roman times, the aqueduct has resulted Segovia being placed on the world map as a must visit while in Spain. It provided water to Segovia until the mid 19th century. [6], There is a connection between the mint and the aqueduct in that coins minted in Segovia used the aqueduct as a mint mark. The aqueduct of Segovia is an engineering feat of the Roman Empire built about 50 A.D. Read on for details. Roman Structures > Aqueducts > Aqueduct of Segovia. At Plaza de Díaz Sanz, the structure makes an abrupt turn and heads toward Plaza Azoguejo. The top of the structure contains the channel through which water travels, through a … On 4 December, the day of Saint Barbara, who is the patron saint of artillery, the cadets of the local military academy drape the image of the Virgen de la Fuencisla in a flag. If you get to travel to it, its’ perfect arches will catch your eyes and it might cross … Luckily, he failed and did not finish it by dawn. The Legend Around the Aqueduct in Segovia The Segovia Aqueduct is such an incredible structure that it’s hard to believe that it was built in the 1st century. According to legend, the aqueduct is the work of the devil, who made a pact with a girl working as a water carrier. It is the symbol of Segovia, with Alcazar and the cathedral are the main attraction of the city. The line of arches is organized in two levels, decorated simply, in which simple moulds hold the frame and provide support to the structure. It is because of its construction, of extreme complexity for its time, of excellent execution. The details of this system are not fully known, but it has been established that the water followed a subterranean route, which has recently been marked on the city's pavements.[3]. The aqueduct of Segovia is a wonder from its very conception. History Of The Roman Aqueduct Of Segovia The exact origins of the aqueduct are unknown, although it is thought to date back to the 1 st century. Since it is such a huge and marvelous feat of ancient engineering and me, being such a sucker for legends, it became a must see. The Arevaci people are known to have populated the area before it was conquered by the Romans. On the upper level, the arches are 5.1 metres (16.1 ft) wide. Site map; As the aqueduct lacks a legible inscription (one was apparently located in the structure's attic, or top portion[citation needed]), the date of construction cannot be definitively determined. Legend of Aqueduct of Segovia Spaniards have an interesting legend that goes with the construction of this mammoth figure. "The aqueduct of Segovia is a Roman aqueduct that carried water to the Spanish city of Segovia . To explain how it was built, a local legend was born. Located in the heart of the city, the aqueduct was built in the XNUMXst century to bring water from the Sierra de Guadarrama to the town. He determined that Emperor Domitian (AD 81–96) ordered its construction[1] and the year 98 AD was proposed as the most likely date of completion. Getting to Segovia … According to legend, it was idleness rather than Rome which gave rise to the Aqueduct. Segovia Cathedral. The top of each pillar has a cross-section measuring 1.8 by 2.5 metres (5.9 by 8.2 feet), while the base cross-section measures 2.4 by 3 metres (7.9 by 9.8 feet). Today, two niches are still visible, one on each side of the aqueduct. At its tallest, the aqueduct reaches a height of 28.5 m (93 ft 6 in), including nearly 6 m (19 ft 8 in) of foundation. The general date of the Aqueduct's construction was long a mystery, although it was thought to have been during the 1st century AD, during the reigns of the Emperors Domitian, Nerva, and Trajan. Segovia aqueduct, byname El Puente (Spanish: “The Bridge”), water-conveyance structure built under the Roman emperor Trajan (reigned 98–117 ce) and still in use; it carries water 10 miles (16 km) from the Frío River to the city of Segovia, Spain. A young girl, who worked fetching water, tired of dragging her pitcher up the steep streets of the city, made a deal with the devil: she would offer him her soul if, before dawn broke, water was carried to her home.Regretting her decision, the girl prayed until exhausted to save her soul. [5], One of the buildings of Segovia's former mint, the Real Casa de Moneda, houses an aqueduct interpretation centre, developed with funding from European Economic Area grants. http://davidsbeenhere.com/ David's Been Here brings you to Segovia, Spain's most important and memorable site: the ancient Roman Aqueduct. When it reaches the city the water is run through a tank system to get rid of dirt and grit, and it is then led to the site of the old fortress on the hillside the other side of Segovia via the bridge, which … While it’s the main drawing card for the city, there are plenty of other fascinating things to do in Segovia, and multiple ways to travel from Madrid to Segovia. [2] However, in 2016 archeological evidence was published which points to a slightly later date, after 112 AD, during the government of Trajan or in the beginning of the government of emperor Hadrian, from 117 AD. The line of arches is organized in two levels, decorated simply, in which simple moulds hold the frame and provide support to the structure. It owes its name to the union of two Latin words aqua (water) and ducere (to drive). During the Roman era, each of the three tallest arches displayed a sign in bronze letters, indicating the name of its builder along with the date of construction. C. , at the end of the reign of the emperor Trajano or principles of the one of Adriano . Visit the ancient Segovia Aqueduct during your walking tour of the old town. Built in two levels, the top pillars are both shorter and narrower than those on the lower level. Legend Behind. History Construction Legend Aqueduct Visitor Centre Guided Tour . A young girl, who worked fetching water, tired of dragging her pitcher up the steep streets of the city, made a deal with the devil: she would offer him her soul if, before dawn broke, water was carried to her home. It is there the monument begins to display its full splendor. You can’t mention the city’s name without identifying it to this arched aqueduct. Contrary to popular belief, vibrations caused by traffic that used to pass under the arches did not affect the aqueduct due to its great mass. Segovia makes up … She had to give soul to the devil if the devil will provide water to … Above the Plaza Azoguejo, the aqueduct has a height of almost 30 metres. According to legend, it was idleness rather than Rome which gave rise to the Aqueduct. The aqueduct dates to the 1st century run more than 15 kilometers outside of the city and were still in use to transport water to Segovia from the Frío River until the 19th Century. Compared to some of the city’s other historical sites, Segovia’s Cathedral is relatively new. Enjoy views of the structure from one of the restaurants or plazas that flank its length. This is my one-day itinerary for Segovia where I cover the must-sees and must-dos while you are in Segovia. The girl confessed her sin to the Segovian people who, after bathing the arches in holy water to remove traces of sulphur, happily accepted the new addition to the city. It is one of the best-preserved elevated Roman aqueducts and the foremost symbol of Segovia, as evidenced by its presence on the city's coat of arms. The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the city’s greatest historical treasures. Segovia has everything you expect from a historic old town on the World Heritage List: outstanding monuments, a beautiful location, and a lively atmosphere. Don Pedro Mesa, the prior of the nearby Jerónimos del Parral monastery, led the project. [6], Location of Aqueduct of Segovia in Castile and León, "Géza Alföldy: Die Inschrift des Aquäduktes von Segovia", "El hallazgo de un sestercio cambia la edad del acueducto de Segovia", "Aqueduct of Segovia | World Monuments Fund", Norma Barbacci, "Saving Segovia's Aqueduct,", 600 Roman aqueducts with 35 descriptions in detail among which the Segovia aqueduct, World Monuments Fund – Acueducto de Segovia, Rock art of the Iberian Mediterranean Basin, Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí, regions in Spain and other countries in Europe, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aqueduct_of_Segovia&oldid=1017471726, Buildings and structures completed in the 1st century, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2012, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from Enciclopedia Libre Universal en Español, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Prehistoric Rock-Art Sites in the Côa Valley and, This page was last edited on 12 April 2021, at 23:12. On the upper level, the arches are 5.1 metres (16.1 ft) wide. From the point the aqueduct enters the city until it reaches Plaza de Díaz Sanz, it includes 75 single arches and 44 double arches (or 88 arches when counted individually), followed by four single arches, totalling 167 arches in all. Next the water traveled 728 m (796 yd) on a one-percent grade until it was high upon the Postigo, a rocky outcropping on which sits the walled city center with its Alcázar or castle. It is the legend of a serving girl who used to climb every day, to the very top of the mountain and return with her pitcher full of water. There it was naturally decanted and sand settled out before the water continued its route. I came to this article to read about the legend of the Aqueduct of Segovia, which was mentioned in the news recently due to a controversial statue that is being proposed. Although the aqueduct of Segovia is considered one of the best preserved elevated Roman aqueducts, the structure has not fared well in recent times. Later, in the 16th century, the central niches and above-mentioned statues were placed on the structure. Now it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, a storm had broken out and the devil had to work piecemeal. Aqueduct of Segovia The Aqueduct of Segovia (or more precisely, the aqueduct bridge) is a Roman aqueduct and one of the most significant and best-preserved ancient monuments left on the Iberian Peninsula. The aqueduct was built by the romans around 1 st century AD and its purpose was to bring water from the mountains to the town. The actual aqueduct leads water 15 kilometres from a spring at Fuenfría to the city. What got me interested in Segovia is the roman aqueduct. The first section of the aqueduct contains 36 semi-circular arches, rebuilt in the 15th century to restore a portion destroyed by the Moors in 1072. The towering aqueduct is synonymous to the old town of Segovia. The aqueduct is thought to have been built during the Flavian dynasty, from the second half of the first century to the early 2nd century CE under the Emperors Vespasian and Trajan in order to carry the water of the River Acebeda to the city. The Legend of the Aqueduct of Segovia The Segovia Aqueduct is such an impressive structure that when many people saw it for the first time, they didn’t understand how it was constructed. The city of Segovia, as legend has it, was founded by Hercules, the son of the Roman god, Zeus. Emblazoned with the coat of arms of Segovia, the massive Segovia Aqueduct is one of the most well-preserved existing testaments to the engineering feats of ancient Rome. To explain how this marvel of architecture was built, there is a local legend. Built in two levels, the top pillars are both shorter and narrower than those on the lower level. That niche now contains an image of the Virgin. 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