Huerta del Rey

Huerta del Rey is a historic park lying at the foot of the rocky outcrop that carries the Alcázar of Segovia, wedged between the fortress walls and the Eresma river. For centuries the grounds served as the working orchard and kitchen garden that supplied the royal court residing in the Alcázar — the name itself, meaning "the King's orchard," points directly to that original purpose.

How did the garden take its current shape?

The park as it exists today dates largely from the reign of Ferdinand VII in the first half of the 19th century. The enclosure wall, the entrance gate decorated with the coats of arms of Castile and León, and the overall layout of the grounds were all established during this period, and the result is regarded as Spain's first Romantic-style garden. That distinction gives Huerta del Rey a special place among historic Spanish gardens, blending the practical legacy of a royal orchard with the aesthetic sensibility of a 19th-century landscaped park.

What can visitors find growing there?

The grounds preserve a number of notable plants. Among them is a butterbur with a trunk roughly 50 centimeters in diameter, two tree-form boxwoods estimated at around 125 years old, and a yew with three distinct branches. Conifers frame the gate built during Ferdinand VII's reign, reinforcing its ceremonial appearance. This mix of specimens gives the site both historical and botanical value, offering a tangible record of Romantic-era garden taste.

Is the park open to the public?

Huerta del Rey is normally closed to visitors, a restriction that has helped preserve its original character and protect its vegetation from heavy foot traffic. It is not entirely off-limits, however: since 1990, under an agreement between Segovia's city council and the Alcázar's governing board, the park has occasionally opened during summer for special events, including open-air concerts. These occasions offer a rare chance to walk through a space that otherwise remains closed year-round.

Why does it matter when visiting the Alcázar?

Although Huerta del Rey is not part of the standard route through the castle, its presence explains much of the green landscape visible from the Alcázar's walls and towers. The stretch of greenery running down toward the Eresma river, seen from the fortress terraces, is precisely this historic garden — a quiet witness to the daily life of the royal court and one of the few Spanish gardens from the Romantic period to survive in something close to its original layout.

Frequently asked questions

Is Huerta del Rey the same as the park next to the Alcázar? Yes, it is another name for the same site, also known as the North Park of the Alcázar of Segovia.

Can visitors enter the garden? It is usually closed, but it occasionally opens in summer for cultural events such as concerts.

Where does the name come from? The name reflects the site's original role as an orchard and kitchen garden supplying the royal court that lived in the Alcázar.

What makes this garden stand out in Spain? It is considered the first Romantic-style garden in the country, laid out during the reign of Ferdinand VII.