Built on the remains of ancient Roman and Arab fortifications, the castle of Pedraza, Segovia, has been going through reconstructions and owners since the thirteenth century, forming part of the history of the country as one of the most worthy Castilian buildings. The Dukes of Frías restored it in the 16th century and until it was acquired by the painter Ignacio Zuloaga in 1926, it has undergone many vicissitudes. The interior of the castle preserves beautiful Romanesque semicircular arches, connected courtyards and the staircase leading to the cistern, where you can see the coat of arms of the Herrera family. It has now passed into the hands of the company Teatrópolis, which belongs to Santiago Segura, Luis Álvarez and José Mota.
This medieval jewel was bought in 2024 for 4.8 million euros, as already revealed by El Confidencial, and now it is added to the cultural offer of the rich Segovian town, with visits and classical music concerts by candlelight. Although they are not the only celebrities who have business in the town, here also has its restaurant and hotel, Casa Taberna, Samantha Vallejo-Nájera.
Many owners and only one castle in Pedraza.
The castle is part of Spain’s Historical Heritage Network and has become a living space, where past and present coexist, but it is shrouded in a halo of legends and historical episodes that add a special aura to it. One of the most famous occurred in 1529, when the fortress served as a prison for the sons of King Francis I of France, who were given as hostages to Charles I of Spain after the Battle of Pavia, in compliance with the Treaty of Madrid. They remained there until their liberation in 1530, after the Peace of the Ladies.
In addition, the popular tradition collects tragic and romantic stories, such as the legend of Elvira the feudal lord’s wife, whose forbidden love and tragic outcome is still said to haunt the rooms of the castle.
In the 20th century, the castle experienced a revival thanks to the painter Ignacio Zuloaga. The artist restored one of the towers to install his workshop and converted part of the building into a dwelling. His heirs fitted out another tower as a museum, where works by Zuloaga himself are exhibited, as well as pieces by El Greco, Goya and 17th century Flemish still lifes.
Currently, in its new stage as an exhibition and event space, access is allowed to previously unpublished areas such as private rooms and dungeons.