Pedraza

An exceptionally well-preserved medieval walled village near Segovia, famous for its candlelit festival in summer. Its stone architecture and hilltop castle create a magical atmosphere.

Things to do

• Walk the medieval walls — Stroll the perfectly preserved 11th-century ramparts that encircle the entire hilltop village, offering sweeping views over the Castilian plain.
• Explore Plaza Mayor — Sit at this rustic, irregularly shaped square lined with wooden-balconied stone houses that once hosted bullfights and now anchors village life.
• Visit Castillo de Pedraza — Tour the 13th-century castle, once owned by painter Ignacio Zuloaga, which now houses a museum of his works amid dramatic cliffside scenery.
• See Iglesia de San Juan — Admire this Romanesque church with its striking bell tower, a key landmark rising above the village's stone rooftops.
• Experience the Noche de las Velas — If visiting on the right summer Saturday, witness the whole village lit by over 40,000 candles instead of electric lights, a truly magical spectacle.
• Wander the cobbled lanes — Get lost in the narrow, winding streets between honey-colored stone houses adorned with wrought-iron balconies and flower pots.

Food to try

• Cordero asado — Slow-roasted Castilian lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven, the region's signature dish served in Pedraza's traditional asadores.
• Cochinillo asado — Crispy roast suckling pig, a Segovia-province specialty often carved tableside with the edge of a plate to prove its tenderness.
• Judiones de La Granja — Large, creamy white beans from nearby La Granja, typically stewed with chorizo and morcilla in hearty local casseroles.
• Torreznos de Soria-style pork — Crispy fried pork belly strips served as a local tapa, prized for their crackling texture.
• Ponche segoviano — A regional marzipan-and-custard layered cake with a caramelized sugar top, a classic dessert to finish a meal in the area.

Local customs & good to know

• Book ahead for Noche de las Velas — The candlelit nights draw huge crowds and limited parking, so reserve accommodation and restaurant tables well in advance.
• Wear comfortable shoes — The steep cobblestone streets and uneven medieval paving make sturdy footwear essential for exploring the village.
• Respect the residential nature — Pedraza is a living village, not just a museum, so keep noise down in the evenings out of respect for locals.
• Sunday lunch is a local ritual — Many families and visitors from Madrid come specifically for long, leisurely Sunday roast-lamb lunches, so restaurants fill up fast.