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Pedraza

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°11
Pedraza (Spain)

Weather…

Pedraza de la Sierra is one of Spain's most memorable walled villages, preserved as if time had stopped in the 16th century. Access is granted through a single medieval gateway, the 'Puerta de la Villa,' which leads directly into a world of cobbled streets and aristocratic stone mansions. Its Plaza Mayor, with its irregular arcades and weathered stone pillars, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and atmospheric main squares in Spain. The village is anchored by the Castle of Pedraza, a fortress originally built in the 13th century and later renovated. It gained fame in 1926 when the Spanish painter Ignacio Zuloaga purchased the ruins and transformed them into his private studio and gallery. The village's most magical moments occur on the first two Saturdays of July during the 'Concerts of the Candles' (Conciertos de las Velas). On these nights, all electric lights are extinguished, and the entire village is illuminated by tens of thousands of candles, providing a sublime backdrop for classical music performances. Located about 40 km from Segovia, Pedraza is a well-suited destination for a day trip. Cars are restricted in the center, allowing visitors to peacefully explore the artisan shops and historic landmarks. Sampling 'cochinillo' (suckling pig) in one of the local taverns is an essential experience. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, though the July candlelit nights are the highlight of the year.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C236913192222171263
Rain mm484453595130131727726349

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Pedraza is a perfectly preserved medieval village, freely walkable. The castle is usually open to visitors, and the city wall is accessible at any time.
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Typical hours
The castle typically has seasonal hours, often 10 AM-2 PM and 4-7 PM. Candlelit concerts take place on summer evenings.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the village and in the castle. At concerts, flash is usually not permitted.
⏱️
Time needed
Two to three hours are enough for a walk through the village and castle. For concerts, plan the evening.
➕
Combine with
Combine Pedraza with Segovia (about 40 km) or the Guadarrama National Park.
🧭
Getting there
Pedraza is best reached by car (about 40 minutes from Segovia). Parking is available outside the city walls.
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Insider tip
Visit Pedraza on a summer evening for one of the famous candlelit concerts in the main square - a magical experience.

Geography

Population
497 (2012)
Coordinates
41.13028, -3.81111

Facts

  • Single medieval entry gate
  • Zuloaga's castle and studio
  • Candlelight concerts in July
  • Frequent film filming location
  • Historic arcaded Plaza Mayor
  • Medieval town jail museum
  • Province of Segovia
  • Famous for suckling pig

Explore nearby

Notable places around

La Granja de San IldefonsoLa Granja de San Ildefonso31 km · SWExplore →
SegoviaSegovia33 km · SWExplore →
Sierra de GuadarramaSierra de Guadarrama33 km · SExplore →
Alcázar of SegoviaAlcázar of Segovia33 km · SWExplore →
Sierra de la CabreraSierra de la Cabrera36 km · SEExplore →
Sierra de AyllónSierra de Ayllón39 km · EExplore →
Manzanares el RealManzanares el Real45 km · SExplore →
CuéllarCuéllar52 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pedraza (11)

Mirador Luca de Tena🌿 nature

The Mirador Luca de Tena is an observation point providing wide-open panoramic views of the medieval town of Pedraza.

Casa del Águila Imperial📍 landmark

The Casa del Águila Imperial is a local attraction and visitor center situated in the historic town of Pedraza.

Mirador de las Tongueras🌿 nature

The Mirador de las Tongueras is a scenic vantage point overlooking the easy on the eye landscapes surrounding Pedraza.

Torre y pozo de las Hontanillas📍 landmark

13th-century medieval defensive tower and cistern within the city walls of Pedraza.

Mirador de Pedraza🌿 nature

Mirador de Pedraza features scenic views over the town of Pedraza and its surroundings.

Cueva de la Argolla🏺 historical

Natural limestone cave at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama, once used as a shelter.

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Cueva de la Griega🏺 historical

Tectonic cave with prehistoric settlement traces in the Río Cega valley.

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Museo Cárcel de la Villa de Pedraza🏛 museum

Museum in the former 16th-century town prison in the walled old town of Pedraza.

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Centro Santo Domingo🎭 culture

Cultural centre with regular concerts and workshops in Pedraza's old town.

Acueducto de Pedraza📍 landmark

17th-century stone aqueduct that supplied the town's water.

Tenadas del Guijo🏺 historical

The ruins of Tenadas del Guijo can be found in the area of Pedraza.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes Pedraza so special?
It is a perfectly preserved medieval village with cobblestone streets, an old castle, and an appealing Plaza Mayor.
What is the 'Concert of the Candles' (Concierto de las Velas)?
On the first two Saturdays of July, the village is lit only by thousands of candles while concerts take place.
Is there a museum in the castle of Pedraza?
Yes, the castle houses the museum of the painter Ignacio Zuloaga, who bought the castle in the 20th century.
What is the typical dish in Pedraza?
Pedraza is particularly famous for its wood-oven roasted lamb (Cordero Asado).
Are there parking issues in Pedraza?
Parking inside the walls is restricted for visitors; use the car parks outside the city gate.
Pedraza: where is it located?
Pedraza is located in Galicia, Spain.
Pedraza: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mirador Luca de Tena, Casa del Águila Imperial, Mirador de las Tongueras.
Pedraza: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pedraza: why is it worth visiting?
Pedraza de la Sierra is one of Spain's most memorable walled villages, preserved as if time had stopped in the 16th century.
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