Pedraza of Cinema

The Puerta de la Villa, the only access to Pedraza, was key in its medieval defense. It was part of the old prison, where prisoners could serve as a human shield. The night closure at 10 p.m. surprised even an American visitor invited by Zuloaga. In the series 30 Coins by Álex de la Iglesia, the Devil seals this door with blood and ashes, creating an invisible barrier. A car crashes into it, showing how no one can escape from the Villa under this supernatural force.

The Calle Real connects the Puerta de la Villa with the Plaza Mayor and is the main street of Pedraza. Flanked by palaces with noble coats of arms, its uphill route contrasts with the flat streets of the center. Halfway along the road, the headquarters of the Villa y Tierra Community, a corner balcony with hearts and a stone fountain stand out. It was the setting for the series Toledo, which recreated the medieval market and court intrigues in the time of Alfonso X.

Considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, its irregular layout is home to emblazoned houses, a Romanesque church and balconies built to witness bullfights. Nobility, power and commerce are intertwined in this historic space. In 2013, it was the scene of a famous Christmas Lottery advertisement, lit only with candles in homage to the Candlelight Concerts. The center was adorned with lottery drums, while great voices of the country sang along with neighbors and visitors.

The Calle Mayor is the most stately of Pedraza. It connects the Plaza Mayor with the Castle, and was the passage of the Lords of Velasco. It is the widest of the Villa, noted for the uniformity of its roofs, flowery balconies and aesthetic details such as the burying of cables. It was the setting for the series "Águila Roja" (Red Eagle), set in 17th century Spain, where its careful aesthetics and historical atmosphere contributed to the success of the production.

It is said to be the oldest castle in Europe. Its present form is due to the Velasco family, who rebuilt it in the 15th century. In 1925 it was acquired by the painter Ignacio Zuloaga, who set up his workshop there. The children of King Francis I of France were imprisoned in this fortress. It was the scene of films such as the series Isabel, where it appears as the castle of La Mota, and the imprisonment of Juana "la Loca" is recreated while she was trying to join her husband in Naples.

In addition to its architecture, Pedraza stands out for its natural environment. From the viewpoint of Las Hontanillas there are spectacular views of mountains and valleys. Following the walk are the viewpoints of Luca de Tena and those surrounding the castle, overlooking the neighborhood of Velilla. Going down Calzada street, already outside the village, you reach the viewpoint of the aqueduct and the old church of San Miguel, now the House of the Imperial Eagle.