Free walking tours in Pedraza and what to see

Must-sees

Pedraza is a walled medieval town on a hilltop in the north of Segovia province. You enter through the Puerta de la Villa, the only way into the walled area, and next to it is the old prison, which can be visited. From there, Calle Real climbs between houses with coats of arms to the Plaza Mayor, arcaded and with wooden balconies, one of the most photographed in Castile.

At the far end of the village stands the castle, bought in the 20th century by the painter Ignacio Zuloaga, which holds part of his work. By the square is the Romanesque tower of the church of San Juan. In July, the candlelight concerts fill the village with light, and all year round wood-oven roast lamb is the star dish.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-like free walking tours are rare in Pedraza. The norm is paid guided tours of the town, explaining the wall, the prison and the history of its noble families, and the visit to the castle with its Zuloaga collection. Many people arrive on day trips from Madrid or Segovia that combine Pedraza with other villages.

From here you can go to Sepúlveda and the Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park, with walking routes and canoe trips through canyons full of vultures. Segovia is half an hour away by car, and Turégano, with its castle-church, is also close. All these outings fit easily into a morning if you have a car.

How long to spend

Pedraza can be seen in half a day. Allow three or four hours to go into the prison, climb to the castle, stroll the streets and have a leisurely lunch. If you sleep there, you can see the village almost empty at dusk and visit the Hoces del Duratón the next day, best first thing.

Where to stay

The best choice is to stay inside the walls, in one of the stone rural cottages or small hotels. In the evening, when the day visitors leave, the village is very quiet. The choice is limited and fills up at weekends and in July, so book ahead. If you cannot find a room, Sepúlveda or Segovia are good bases nearby.