Pedrera, a town between quarries
Learn about the history of this town in Seville’s Sierra Sur that owes its name to quarries around it. Stone from these quarries was used in the Middle Ages to make cannonballs. Pedrera has been inhabited since Roman times. You will enjoy its welcoming people, rich historical heritage and deep-rooted traditions.
Visit its monuments, including the San Sebastián Church and the Shrine to Santo Cristo de la Sangre. The latter is home to the sculpture of the Crucified Christ most revered in the Sierra Sur. You are sure to be captivated by its legend. Pedrera’s natural landscapes will also fascinate you. You can go camping, walk on the routes and explore the surroundings of the Sierra de la Cruz.
If you want to experience its festivals, be sure to come to eagerly awaited Carnival. This event ends on Ash Wednesday with the popular Entierro de la Sardina. To taste the best dishes in this area, Go to its bars and restaurants to sample the best local dishes, prepared with locally produced extra virgin olive oil.
Explore the Sierra Sur and discover this town between quarries.
Getting to Pedrera
If you travel by car from Seville, take the A-92 motorway until exit 97. Enter the SE-486 and continue along the A-353. You will reach your destination soon after.
You can also go by railway using the Andalusian Medium Distance lines that run from Santa Justa Station in Seville and stop at Pedrera Station. If you prefer to travel by bus, go to the Prado de San Sebastián Bus Station in Seville.
Getting around
Explore the town’s streets and squares, or hike any of its nature routes. You can also bring your bike.
Reasons to visit
- You will be captivated by its natural surroundings, where you can go camping. Discover the Higuera Riverbank with its picnic area and the Búho Stream, whose waters have healing properties.
- Experience the joy of Pedrera’s Carnival and be sure to take part in the traditional Entierro de la Sardina on Ash Wednesday. The whole town participates in this eagerly awaited event.
- If you want to take a typical product as a souvenir, buy some local extra virgin olive oil. It is marketed under the Estepa Designation of Origin.
- Visit its fascinating historical heritage and admire the façade of the San Juan Evangelista Confraternity House. Created by local master masons, the stone comes from the local quarries.
- Another traditional festival is Las Candelas in February to celebrate Candlemas. The locals collect olive branches, build bonfires and enjoy themselves.
- Listen to the best flamenco singing at Pedrera’s Flamenco Festival in July. It has taken place for over 20 years.
What to see
Visit the San Sebastián Church, Pedrera’s main temple, in the Plaza de Guzmán y Andrés. This 16th-century building is well known for its austere façade. It is home to artworks of great value, including a sculpture of St Anne and the Virgin with the Child.
Stroll around and look for the San Juan Evangelista Confraternity House. Its façade, built by local master masons with stone from the local quarries, is noteworthy. The Shrine to El Carmen is on Calle Primero de Mayo. This 18th-century chapel is home to the sculpture of the patron saint that is taken in procession by women bearers on 16 July.
Continue exploring the town and make your way to Calle Santo Cristo. The Shrine to Santo Cristo de la Sangre is located here. This temple is beloved to locals and other people in the region. The crucified Christ is shrouded in a fascinating legend. Rumour also has it that the sculpture was brought from Latin America and that idols from the Inca Empire are hidden inside. It is important to highlight the social and humanitarian work carried out by the Cristo de la Sangre Confraternity, including blood drives to help the ill.
Finally, go hiking in the Sierra de la Cruz. You can also explore it by bike. However, if you want to enjoy a relaxing day in the countryside, head to the Higuera Riverbank picnic area.
Places to visit
- Shrine to Santo Cristo de la Sangre
- Shrine to Nuestra Señora del Carmen
- San Sebastián Parish Church
- Municipal Museum
- Búho Stream Natural Landscape
Surroundings
Pedrera is 112 kilometres from Seville in the Sierra Sur region. The town’s natural surroundings consist of the Sierra de la Cruz, Higuera Riverbank and Búho Stream.
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