Since 1951, Pedraza has been designated a Conjunto Monumental (historic monument complex). Its architectural history can be seen in various places: in the arcaded houses of Plaza Mayor, along the historic Calle Real, and at the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista and La Cárcel de la Villa.
Plaza Mayor and Calle Real
Arcaded houses stand opposite the church on Plaza Mayor. Originally, there were two houses dating from the 16th century, which were later divided into four apartments. This sequence makes the changes to the buildings around the square tangible: the history of the houses includes both their original layout and their later subdivision.
Calle Real is Pedraza’s historic main thoroughfare and leads to Plaza Mayor; notable historic buildings line the street. While the development of a group of houses can be traced around the square, several historic buildings shape the route along Calle Real to the plaza. The two locations thus bring different aspects of historic Pedraza into focus.
Church and La Cárcel de la Villa
The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista preserves a Romanesque tower and a Romanesque apse; its interior was later given a Baroque makeover. The church thus combines Romanesque elements with a later style, though they do not belong to the same building phase: the tower and apse are Romanesque, while the interior was altered later.
La Cárcel de la Villa is a medieval building dating from the 13th century that was rebuilt in the 16th century. A dungeon, wooden cells and historic prison fittings have been preserved. Its construction date and rebuilding place the building in its historical context; the preserved cells and fittings point to its former function as a prison.
Castle and Casa del Águila Imperial
A visit to the Gran Castillo de Pedraza includes access to the castle, its courtyards and rooms. A free audio guide in Spanish and English complements the visit. Check the latest visitor information before travelling.
Casa del Águila Imperial is located in Pedraza, in the former church of San Miguel. The complex includes the Jardín de San Miguel, which serves as an additional facility for public use. The castle and Casa thus represent different architectural landmarks: a castle with courtyards and rooms on the one hand, and a former church with an adjoining garden on the other.
Festivals and route
The Conciertos de las Velas take place on the first and second Saturdays in July, combining concerts with the illumination of the town by thousands of candles. The Fiestas en Honor a la Virgen del Carrascal take place in the first half of September. On September 8, a procession passes through the streets of Pedraza; men also dance jotas in front of the image before the traditional “subasta de palos” takes place. The dates mark two different cultural events: candlelit concerts in July, and a procession, dancing and the subsequent tradition in September. Check the event dates before travelling.
The Gallegos–Pedraza–Galíndez–Gallegos route is 15.6 kilometres long and takes around five hours. It is described as being of interest for its scenery, history, culture and ethnography. Its length and approximate duration give an indication of the time required; the four categories listed show the route’s thematic focus. This helps distinguish it, when planning, from the individual buildings and festivals tied to specific dates.
Discover more destinations: Requijada, Yanguas De Eresma, Fuenterrebollo, Bernuy de Porreros, San Rafael, Carrascal Del Río, Sanchonuño, Duruelo.
For the broader travel overview: Segovia.
