Visit Pedraza de la Sierra
Pedraza de la Sierra is in the province of Segovia in the Castile and Leon region of Spain.
Pedraza de la Sierra is a beautiful medieval town, indeed it is said to be one of the most beautiful small towns in Spain. Surrounded by a fortified wall it is a pleasure to wander through the medieval streets and squares. It is perched upon a hill and has a castle perched on a rocky outcrop next to the town.
Explore Pedraza-de-la-Sierra
Many of the houses and mansions of Pedraza date to the 16 and 17th centuries which was a time of prosperity due to the export of wool from the Merino sheep raised in the area, and the export of high quality textiles.
Start your visit outside of the town and you will see the old stone aquaduct and the Ermita de la Virgen del Carrascal which has been converted into a spa. Walk up to the village and you will arrive at the large stone doorway to the town.
There is a doorway from here to the Prison of Pedraza which is a medieval prison and one of the best preserved in Spain. This prison is now a museum that can be visited.
From here head to the Plaza Mayor which is the focus of the town. On one side of the square sits the San Juan church with its lovely square tower. The church is built in Romanesque style with later additions in Baroque style.
Arcaded shops and the town hall also sit on the square as well as one of the many mansions Pedraza has to admire. Many of them, including the one on the square, have their family coat of arms carved onto them.
The Plaza Mayor is a typical, though particualarly attractive, example of the Plaza's built throughout Spain. Many of the buildings on the square date back to the 16th century.
The Plaza Mayor of Pedraza is still used for a bullfighting festival once a year in September.
Also to see in Pedraza is its castle which, along with many of the houses of Pedraza de la Sierra, has been restored fairly recently. It was originally built as a fortress in the 13th century and then rebuilt in the 15th century. It was at one point the home of Ignacio Zuloaga a local artist and some of his works are in the castle museum.
Near to the castle are the remains of the church of Santa Maria which sits on the Plaza de Santa Maria . The church was built in the 15th century. Look to the top of its tower to see the storks nest.
Pedraza is a popular day trip for people living in Madrid as Madrid is only about an hour away. They come to sample the town's excellent roast lunches. Its roast lamb in particular is famous in the area.
If you can it is worth visiting Pedraza-de-la-Sierra in July for the 'La Noche de las Velas', the night of the candles. During the first two Saturday nights of July the streets are lit by candlelight and various concerts take place in the town.
Places to visit near Pedraza-de-la-Sierra
The beautiful city of Segovia is about 30km to the south of Pedraza and to the north is Sepulveda which is another attractive village.
The wonderful palace-monastery of El Escorial is also not too far away.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Segovia guide and the Castile and Leon guide.
Map of Pedraza de la Sierra and places to visit
Pedraza de la Sierra places to visit
Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso
The Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso is a stunning royal palace with superb formal gardens.
Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso guide
Segovia
Segovia is situated on a rocky outcrop and has an amazing Gothic cathedral and a Moorish castle which dominates the city.
Segovia guide
Penaranda de Duero
Penaranda de Duero is one of the nicest villages in Old Castile and it has a lovely Renaissance Palace and an imposing castle dating from the Reconquest.
Penaranda de Duero guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Castile and Leon