House of Reading-Municipal Library of Segovia

Casa de la Lectura – Municipal Library of Segovia is a public library housed in one of the most architecturally interesting buildings of Segovia's old town, on Calle Juan Bravo.

What makes this building so unusual?

The site's story goes back to the 11th century, when a Cistercian convent was founded here shortly after Segovia was resettled following the Christian reconquest. The now-vanished church of San Briz also once stood on the plot. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the Renaissance-style structure was converted into the city's Royal Prison. Only in 1948 did the building take on a cultural role, when the library moved in — for years it shared the space with the Provincial Museum (until 1955) and the Provincial Archive (until 1996). Today the building is fully dedicated to the library.

How do you get there?

The library sits right in Segovia's historic core, within easy walking distance of Plaza Mayor and the city's famous Roman aqueduct. Calle Juan Bravo is one of the old town's main streets, so no public transport is needed — a stroll through the historic quarter, which is best explored on foot anyway, will take you straight there.

What will you see, inside and out?

The building covers about 600 square meters across three floors, topped with a distinctive bell gable. The façade is deliberately austere: the structure follows a square floor plan, with rooms arranged around a small interior courtyard. A 17th-century stone façade with a cornice survives at the front, along with the coat of arms of the House of Habsburg — a reminder of the building's former role as a royal prison. The contrast between this sober, fortress-like exterior and its current life as a public library is one of the first things visitors notice.

What services does the library offer?

Casa de la Lectura operates as a full public library: visitors can borrow books, use reading and consultation areas, connect to internet and Wi-Fi, and settle into dedicated study spaces. The library also runs reading-promotion activities, and the building includes an exhibition hall and a multipurpose auditorium used for talks, presentations and cultural events open to both locals and visitors.

When is the best time to visit?

This spot works well as a stop while exploring the old town, fitting naturally into a route between the Aqueduct and Plaza Mayor — especially useful on cooler or rainy days, when stepping into a building with this kind of architecture is a welcome break. If you're hoping to catch a temporary exhibition or an event in the auditorium, check the library's current schedule beforehand, since the cultural program changes seasonally. As a municipal library, it operates on regular business days, so it's worth planning a visit outside public holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit the building just to see the architecture, without using the library itself? Yes, the interior is accessible during opening hours — you can see the courtyard, staircase and common areas without being a registered library user.

What was this building used for before it became a library? Over the centuries the site held a Cistercian convent, the church of San Briz, and, from the 16th to the 18th century, Segovia's Royal Prison. It has only served as a library since 1948.

Are there exhibitions or events for visitors inside the building? Yes, the building has an exhibition hall and a multipurpose auditorium hosting temporary exhibitions, talks and cultural events open to the public.

How far is it from the Roman aqueduct of Segovia? Very close — just a few minutes' walk through the historic center, so both landmarks are easy to combine in a single visit.