A Walk in the Park

A Walk in the Park

Today was a gorgeous day here in Segovia, with temperatures in the seventies and sun shinning down on the cobblestone streets of the city.  The warmth was pleasant and after lunch it invited us out to explore the world around us.  Naturally, we decided it was the perfect day to stroll through the Alameda, a park that follows along the outside of the wall surrounding the city.  Let me back up for a minute though, and first explain this wall or muralla as the Segovians call it.  

The muralla was built around the city around 1080. Segovia at this time was being repopulated after the Arab invasion. Of course, the Arabs still controlled this region of the Iberian peninsula, and would for a few more centuries.  Regardless, with the repopulating of the city a wall was built to protect those within its limits.  Previously, under the Romans, a much smaller wall had been built.  What was left was added onto, sometimes using bits of stone work leftover from the Roman reign.  This often included the tombstones of Roman graves.  

Today you can still see the headstones within parts of the wall, often upside down and the chiseled information too worn to read.  

Within the wall, five doors were built to allow people to travel in and out of the city.  Some of the doors held important functions, such as checkpoints for the goods that would travel to and from the city.  Others served as mere entryways for the inhabitants and visitors.  Three of these doors still remain today.  In fact, to start our walk alongside the muralla we walked through the large stone gateway, or door (in Spanish puerta), called la Puerta de San Andrés.  

From there our walk continued.  We followed several stairways that led down into a wooded area, running alongside the river Eresma as well as the muralla.  

Along the way we were able to see the alcázar in all its splendor on this sunny day.  We also caught glimpses of the old mint, no longer in use for such a purpose, but still called today the Casa de moneda (literally the House of Coins). Our group, grown close after the week here, enjoyed seeing the wildlife, including ducks and butterflies, and a pen full of peacocks. And though it was hot, we were able to refresh ourselves with water spouting picturesquely from little fountains throughout the park.  (The one seen in the picture below is accompanied by a plaque with a saying that roughly translates to "water is life.")

Interestingly, the sandy pathways were covered in furry white pollen, making it look as if we were at times walking through snow.  Its that time of year! But regardless of the allergy inducing conditions, we shared numerous laughs, especially when coming to an area where old wooden balance beams and pull-up bars are set up for the park goers.  If you find yourself wanting to work out, under the blue sky, there's the place to go!  And if you're not into that, don't worry.  Its a beautiful place to simply stroll and take pictures.

I'd recommend this beautiful alameda to anyone looking for nature that skirts centuries old structures. It's one more gem of Segovia.

See you there tomorrow?