2-370-616 - Samuel Magal/Sites & Photos/Heritage Images

The Hall of Monarchs in the Alcazar of Segovia, Segovia, Spain, 2007. Detail of the decorated frieze of monarchs (designed by Hernando de Avila). The construction of this room in honour of past monarchs is linked to the reigns of Alfonso X (1252-1284) and Enrique (Henry) IV (1454-1474). The Alcazar of Segovia was originally built as an Arab fortress, probably in the 12th century. The majority of the current building was constructed during the Middle Ages and the palace was extended on a large scale. The Alcazar's profile resembles an imaginary ship rising above the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores Rivers. It is preceded by beautiful gardens with statues of Daoiz and Velarde, heroes of the War of Independence. The Old Town of Segovia was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.