Here are a few more photos from lovely Segovia, north of Madrid and boasting two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
These photos of the Roman aqueduct I took in bright sunlight, the day after the night photos I sent previously. It is an incredible structure. The stones have indentations in them, indicating they were lifted into place using some type of instrument or machine. The aqueduct crosses a "valley" that these days is a completely paved area, part town square, part road, part walking paths.
These photos of the Roman aqueduct I took in bright sunlight, the day after the night photos I sent previously. It is an incredible structure. The stones have indentations in them, indicating they were lifted into place using some type of instrument or machine. The aqueduct crosses a "valley" that these days is a completely paved area, part town square, part road, part walking paths.
We were almost able to get right up to the top level where the water actually ran. This very top level was made of small rocks, stones and bricks set in mortar, with a stone capping.
Once the aqueduct crosses the "valley", it is incorporated into the walls of the city and therefore not nearly as obvious. And like any old structure that may no longer be used for its original purpose, the stone of the aqueduct has been "stolen" and used for other purposes over hundreds of years. This is the main fate of the majority of ancient buildings. It is so much easier to take stone from a previous building or site, than it is to quarry new stone.
The structure is in great condition. Can you see the holes or indentations, probably a result of the method used to raise these huge stones?
When you get this close, you have to wonder how those keystones hang in there. But they do, and have done, for two thousand years.
But what else is there to discover in this city?
But what else is there to discover in this city?
Segovia has prepared another historic building for international classification. It appears that most of the work (at least externally) has been done, but it is not yet open to the public. This is the historic Royal Mint where the Germans, who had the mechanical and technical expertise of the time, installed a coin making machine on the river in Segovia, driven by 14 waterwheels.
We took these photos through viewing panels in the walls.
These structures on the river are the overflows of water not required to drive the water wheel turbines in the mint/mill.
A very pretty spot and a beautiful restoration.
We are off to Bilboa tomorrow. See you then.
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