Aqueduct de Segovia
After staring at the Aqueduct for half an hour yesterday and staring at it during the entirety of three meals, we returned to take a closer look. Nearing sunset, we figured the lighting would enhance this already amazing piece of history. Chuck and Jeremy were entranced with the engineering of the arches.
Barry and Chuck leaned against the arches and discussed the brilliance of the design. There are conflicting beliefs on when this Aqueduct was constructed. Most believe it was during the first century, the same time as the Pont du Gard in Southern France was built. These are the two best preserved aqueducts left standing.
Jeremy has to look at it from every perspective...This 6'7" guy is dwarfed by one of the smallest arches. It is astonishing to imagine that it was designed and built so long ago. We think technology has come such a long way but we really don't see things like this built anymore!
I loved watching our little group take it in... needing to view it from all sides, at different angles... from underneath and from above. Most importantly, needing to touch the rock. They seemed to sense the power from the structure through laying hands on the massive rocks.
Still... despite investigating from up close, Chuck and Jeremy backed up and continued discussing what must have been involved in the construction. I could have left them there all night!
Considering this is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, we figured we HAD to take a self-timer shot!
Built during the Roman era, this aqueduct carried water from the River Frio, eleven miles outside the city. The actual structure ran 9.3 miles... can you imagine seeing this grand structure for nine miles?!? In most areas, there are double arches and then depending on the topography, there are single arches. All in all, there are 167 arches!
We decided to head up the steps to get a bird's eye view. There were several steps leading out of the plaza and up toward this wall. Then we turned at the wall and continued climbing.
This was taken from a third of the way up the steps. As you can see, the arches are giant stones and the ground is made of pebbles. Still different rock was used for the steps. The landscape of Segovia is quite hilly so it must have been a chore to construct all of the slate style pathways that run through the town.
Now on the upper level, Chuck continues in awe. Considering he has spent forty years in the masonry business, it is no surprise that this workmanship strikes a chord.
Off on the other side (to the right when looking at the aqueduct) is a wall that is built around the area. Separate from the actual aqueduct, it also uses rock and cement as the building material. Brick pillars line the wall. Inside these walls,
Some kids never grow up! Like father, like son... these two just had to climb!
Now it was time to ponder from the upper perspective. The water came from the snowcapped mountains seen off in the distance. With a one percent grade, the water had a couple areas for the sand filter out before heading toward the city. Looking at the distance it travels makes this water system even more amazing!
We didn't realize until we were up on top, that Segovia is much larger than we thought. We are staying off to the right in the Old Town area. This overview is of the newer section. As you can see, the lower arches are taller and broader than the upper. The top section has a channel that carried the water. I was surprised upon learning this because it is gigantic and the usable part is the upper channel...
Shockingly, I got Barry to do a selfie. YAY!!! As the night went on and hearing how impressed Chuck and Jeremy were, he decided we better have a photo together! Beautiful in the day... it is equally beautiful at night!
With a large moon shining and the lights from the nearby plaza, the aqueduct stands majestic! I had to take an artsy black and white shot to finish the evenings exploration!
