2-370-624 - Samuel Magal/Sites & Photos/Heritage Images

The East Tower (Tower of John II) of the Alcazar of Segovia, Segovia, Spain, 2007. During Juan (John) II's reign the East Tower was enlarged. Now called the Tower of John II, it is twice as high as the original and twice as wide. Architects under Juan II and Enrique (Henry) IV gave it the gothic aspect in the 13th century. The Alcazar of Segovia was originally built as an Arab fortress, probably in the 12th century. The majority of the current building was constructed during the Middle Ages and the palace was extended on a large scale. The Alcazar's profile resembles an imaginary ship rising above the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores Rivers. It is preceded by beautiful gardens with statues of Daoiz and Velarde, heroes of the War of Independence. The Old Town of Segovia was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.