Alcázar (Castle) of Segovia, Spain

The Alcázar of Segovia or Segovia Castle is a medieval castle-palace located in the old city of Segovia, central Spain, on the Eresma River. The Alcázar of Segovia was originally built as a fortress but it was later used also as a royal palace, state prison, Royal Artillery College and military academy. On of the most distinctive Spanish castle-palaces was first mentioned in 1120 as the Alcázar (an Arabic word for a fortress or palace) but the archaeological evidence prove its earlier existence.

Throughout the Middle ages the Alcázar of Segovia served as the residence of the kings of Castile. The Alcázar of Segovia was also the place where Isabella was crowned Queen of Castile (in 1474) and also the place of her marriage ceremony with Ferdinand of Aragon. In 1568 the Alcázar of Segovia housed also the marriage between Philip II of Spain and Anne of Austria. The Alcázar of Segovia was used as the Royal Artillery College from 1764 to 1862 when it was severely damaged in a fire. After the fire in 1862 was the Alcázar constructed in the present more romantic style. In 1896 was the Alcázar handed over to the Ministry of War as a military college by King Alfonso XIII. Since the 1950's the Alcázar of Segovia is used for social and cultural events and a museum open for public.