A Walk Through History, Memory and Landscape
The Path of Sighs is an evocative walking route that runs along the foot of Segovia's city walls, between the San Andrés Gate and the Alcázar, skirting a river breakwater of great scenic and strategic value. This natural corridor has been occupied since recent prehistory, with evidence of pre-Roman settlements from the Second Iron Age, as revealed by various archaeological finds.
The name of the path comes from a passage steeped in historical symbolism. In his Historia de la insigne ciudad de Segovia (History of the Distinguished City of Segovia) (1637), the chronicler Diego de Colmenares dramatically recounts the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, reflecting the pain and shock of those who were leaving the city forever. It is believed that it was on this very path, overlooking El Pinarillo, that many of them bid farewell with sighs to what had been their homeland for centuries.
El Pinarillo, visible from the path, is home to one of the most important Jewish necropolises in Castile, used until the expulsion. Some anthropomorphic tombs and structures carved into the rock can still be seen, silent testimony to Segovia's Sephardic past.
Beyond its historical value, walking along the Senda de los Suspiros is a pleasure for the senses. The path offers impressive views of the Clamores valley, and on the horizon stand two of the city's great monumental symbols: the Cathedral of Santa María and the imposing Alcázar, whose silhouette dominates the landscape.
The path also offers a privileged view of the medieval wall, one of the best-preserved defensive elements in Castile. From this angle, you can appreciate its structure, its integration with the landscape and its importance as a natural boundary and protection for the city.
Ideal for lovers of landscape, history and Sephardic culture, the Path of Sighs is a short but intense itinerary, where each step connects the traveller with centuries of memory, spirituality and beauty.
A perfect place to reflect, discover and contemplate Segovia from another perspective.