Segovia

Our room at the Hotel Infanta Isabel, Segovia, has a view. It looks over the pedestrianised Plaza Mayor. Opposite is a pretty lead roofed bandstand and the early 17th century Town Hall. To our left is the most enormous domed Gothic Cathedral built of honey coloured stone, twiddly bits and flying buttressess aplenty! It was started in 1525 and it was eventually consecrated in 1768 making it possibly the last Gothic edifice to be built in Spain. To our right is a relative newcomer, the Teatro Juan Bravo, built in 1917, the inscription on the pediment of what the guide books call typical Segovian architecture tells us so. To me it looks a bit neo-classical with balconies, lots of balconies.

The sound of bells is all over the city and the Town Hall clock opposite chimes every quarter of an hour - we think it is turned off at night as after 11.00 Keith didn't hear it until 7.00 am. I heard neither, I was out like a light. I had the best nights sleep for ages.

Segovia is a world heritage city and we spent the day wandering the myriad of narrow streets within the medieval town walls. My legs tell me we have climbed a lot of steps - who needs the gym! We climbed 152 steep stone spiral stairs at the Alcazar, the castle that inspired Disney's turreted fantasy creations. The view of Segovia with snow capped mountains behind from the top of King John II's watchtower/Keep is stunning.

We climbed more steps up, up, up, besides the Aquaduct. This Roman waterway, the origins of which are shrouded by the mists of time, was built around 2,000 years ago. No cement or mortar of any kind hold it together. The double tiers of arches provided the strength required to carry water over 15 kilometres (9.5 miles) from the Fuenfría mountains into the heart of Segovia. Today 728 dramatic meters remain, and we walked them all full of wonder.