Casa de los Picos

The basics

Walking tours through Segovia typically stop at the Casa de los Picos. But regardless of whether you’re visiting with a guide or on your own, you’re not likely to miss the building’s spiked exterior, as it’s smack dab in Segovia’s historical center en route to Plaza Mayor. While most people tend to stop only to admire the façade or take a quick photo, the Segovia School of Art’s exhibition hall is also open to the public during art shows.

Things to know before you go

• Be sure to check out the coat of arms above the small balconies. You can still spot the original heraldry belonging to the De La Hoz family, the building’s early owners.

• If you’re interested in contemporary art, see if the Segovia School of Art is currently holding an exhibition. Shows are free and allow you to peek inside the centuries-old landmark.

• You’ll find a panel of information outside the home, but anyone interested in a more in-depth history of the Casa de los Picos should consider joining a guided tour.

How to get there

Casa de los Picos is on Calle de Juan Bravo, along with many of Segovia’s historic buildings. Luckily for visitors, the house is easy to find and easily reached by foot; it’s about halfway between two of the town’s blockbuster sights: the Segovia aqueducts—built under the Roman Empire—and the Gothic-style Segovia Cathedral. Segovia is a 1-hour drive or train ride from Madrid and makes for a pleasant day trip from the capital.

When to get there

Spring and fall are ideal months for visiting Segovia, which gets unbearably hot in summer and surprisingly cold during the winter. The town plays host to many colorful festivals and religious events, such as Semana Santa at Easter time, the International Puppet Festival in late spring, and the week-long San Juan and San Pedro festivals in July, whose carnival-like celebrations are worth braving the heat for.

Where to find more contemporary art in Segovia

Contemporary art lovers and history buffs alike should head to the Esteban Vicente Museum of Contemporary Art. It features more than 150 artworks that the Abstract Impressionist artist it’s named after donated to the museum, and the collection is also housed in a 15th-century palace. As it's just around the corner from the Casa de los Picos, you can easily combine it with the famous façade.