Segovia is a majestic, Spanish city, about 50 miles from Madrid and about 90 minutes from Pinos Reales, where CCI will hold its next Worldwide Summit, April 19-24, 2012.  The beauty of the city is matched only by its historical significance.  Three significant architectural wonders dominate the landscape.

First, the Roman aqueduct is magnificent.  Before Paul is thought to have visited Spain, the Romans had observed the strategic significance of Segovia’s central location.  They not only strengthened the walls and fortification, they also built a massive aqueduct.  Built with massive stones and no mortar, this engineering and construction fete supplied water to the core of the city for nearly 2,000 years. 

Second, the Castle (Alcazar) is another marvelous structure with a deep mote and high walls.  Originally built by the Arab invaders in the 1100s, the wooden castle was replaced with the massive stone building in the 13^th century.  In 1474, Isabella was crowned Queen in this castle.   Legend says that later Isabel courageously ousted a notorious mayor earning her the love and admiration of the citizens. Isabella and her husband Ferdinand are known for unifying Spain, commissioning Columbus on his voyages to the “New World”, driving the Moors from Western Europe, and launching the Spanish Armada.

Third, Segovia is also the home of a splendid and ornate cathedral.  Begun in 1525 and finished in 1577, this cathedral is a wonderful representation of the late Gothic period architecture (at least that is what they tell me – I just thought it looked really, really cool!) 

Three architectural wonders -- for civil works, for military and political power, and for religious significance, make Segovia a beautiful, interesting, and important Spanish city.  I’m glad my hiking boots took me to this amazing location.  I hope they bring me back for a return visit next April.

BELOW: Esfahan, Dave, Juan, and Manuel
CCI-Spain leaders