page_title: Alcázar of Segovia
section_title: Tower of John II of Castile
hierarchical_section_title: Alcázar of Segovia / Description / Tower of John II of Castile
caption_attribution_description: English: The Fireplace Room in the Alcázar of SegoviaEspañol: El Sala de la Chimenea, Alcázar de Segovia
context_page_description: The Alcázar of Segovia is a medieval castle located in the city of Segovia, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Rising out on a rocky crag above the confluence of two rivers near the Guadarrama mountains, it is one of the most distinctive castle-palaces in Spain by virtue of its shape – like the bow of a ship. The alcázar was originally built as a fortress but has served as a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy since then. It is currently used as a museum and a military archives building.
context_section_description: The tower of John II of Castile culminates in a large panoramic terrace. From it you can appreciate a great view of the city. Especially the neighborhood of las Canonjías, the cathedral and the Jewish quarter.
  The two staircases that go to the top have 156 steps, most of them on a rather narrow and inclined spiral staircase.
  When crossing the gate that gives access to the first staircase, notice the considerable thickness of the walls. When the first section ends, you will reach the guard room. Attached to the front wall is the bed where the watchman of the tower probably slept.
  Above there are four floors. Its most usual use was as a prison. It was almost impossible to escape from here. Their tenants used to be characters of high estate, which is why they enjoyed certain comforts in their cells such as tapestries, carpets and furniture. The last State prisoner was the Cuban General Dámaso Berenguer in the thirties of the last century.
caption: Fireplace Hall.
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