Casa De Los Picos

Strolling through the ancient streets for which Segovia is famous, it is impossible to pass by one of the city's most unusual buildings. Casa de los Picos, or the "House of Peaks," is a magnificent monument of 15th-century civil architecture located in the heart of this province in Spain.

Casa de los Picos. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The mansion's main feature is its facade, completely covered with 617 granite blocks carved into pyramid shapes. This unique finish creates a stunning visual effect of light and shadow, which is why the building is often called the "Diamond House." Above the windows and balconies, the coats of arms of the noble de la Hoz family, who owned the building during its heyday, can still be seen.

Today, this historic building is not just a monument of the past, but a living cultural space. It houses the Segovia School of Art and Design. Inside, an elegant Renaissance-style courtyard has been preserved, while the building's facade has become a must-stop photo spot for every tourist following the route from the famous Roman Aqueduct to the city center.

To inquire about potential exhibitions or events in the art school building, you can use the following contact details for the administration:

The first thing to do at Casa de los Picos is to take a close look at its facade. The granite "diamonds" change their appearance depending on the sun's position, allowing for magnificent photographs with a unique play of shadows. Take note of the portal with its semi-circular arch and powerful wedge-shaped stones, which emphasize the building's medieval character.

Step into the inner courtyard if the doors are open. A peaceful atmosphere reigns here, and the Renaissance architecture creates a pleasant contrast with the austere appearance of the exterior walls. Since the building now houses an art school, free exhibitions of works by students or local artists are often held in the lobby or courtyard, allowing you to experience contemporary creativity in a historical setting.

A visit to the House of Peaks is easily combined with a walk along the main tourist arteries. The building is located on the path from the Aqueduct to the Alcázar, so you can soak in the atmosphere of old Castile while admiring the neighboring mansions and cobbled streets that Segovia is so proud of.

This unusual mansion is located in the heart of the historic center of Segovia at C. Juan Bravo, 33. If you are already at the famous Roman Aqueduct, the walk to Casa de los Picos will take no more than 10–15 minutes along the picturesque pedestrian street of Juan Bravo.

For travelers coming from Madrid, it is most convenient to use the Renfe high-speed train or an ALSA bus. The journey takes between 30 minutes and an hour and a half. From the Segovia-Guiomar railway station, you can quickly reach the city center by taxi or bus line 11, which will drop you off right at the start of the tourist route.

If you are traveling by car, it is recommended to leave your vehicle in one of the parking lots outside the old city (for example, near the Aqueduct), as most streets in the center are pedestrian-only and very narrow.

The history of this remarkable mansion began in the 15th century, when it was built as a residence for the noble de la Hoz family. One of the family's representatives served as the city's governor, highlighting the high status of the owners. The family coats of arms, which can still be seen above the balconies today, adorn the building's facade.

The most striking feature of the house is its cladding of 617 granite blocks, carved into pyramid shapes. There is a theory that this finish originally had a practical purpose: the "peaks" served to fill gaps in the wall construction, and only later came to be seen as a unique decorative element that gave the house its nickname "The Diamond House."

Over the centuries, Casa de los Picos has played many roles—from an aristocratic home to shops and craft workshops. Today, it houses the Segovia School of Art and Design, allowing this historic monument to remain an important cultural center for the city.

As part of the old city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, this house is a magnificent example of Castilian civil architecture. It serves as a reminder of the golden age when the city was a favorite residence of the Kings of Castile.

To view the unique facade and peek into the inner courtyard, 15–30 minutes is usually sufficient. This is an ideal stop during a walking tour from the Aqueduct to the Cathedral.

If a temporary exhibition is being held at the School of Art during your visit, we suggest setting aside about 1 hour. This will allow you to not only enjoy the art but also study the building's Renaissance-era interior architecture in more detail.

As the building houses an active School of Art, indoor access is limited by the academic schedule. Typically, the doors are open Monday through Friday: from 08:30 to 15:15 and from 16:00 to 21:45. The institution is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

However, the main treasure—the unique facade with its granite peaks—is available for viewing and photography 24/7. Before visiting the indoor exhibitions, we recommend checking the school's official website for the current event schedule.

The prime location of Casa de los Picos allows tourists to see many iconic sites without spending much time on travel. Exploring the surroundings will certainly enrich your experience of walking through the ancient streets.