Pedralba
Pedralba is located in a privileged enclave. Bathed by the River Turia, it is one of the villages within the La Serranía administrative region closest to the Camp del Turia administrative region. We can find crops typical of the latter administrative region, as well as those typical of La Serranía. It has a milder climate, above all in winter, with less pronounced temperatures. The municipality is of Muslim origin, although there are abundant remains of Neolithic and Iberians settlements. In fact, there is evidence of Iberian, Roman and, after the 7th century, Muslim settlements
Gastronomy:
The rich local cuisine is characterised by filling, tasty dishes that are especially appreciated in winter. The most typical dish of La Serrania is “Olla” (stew). The version prepared in Pedralba is made with lamb, pork, sausages, beans, potatoes and thistles. Other dishes include “shepherd’s meat” (stewed pig’s head served with a spicy sauce and chopped almonds.), “coques con tajas” (cakes with pieces of bacon and sausage), and homemade sausages. Typical sweet include the delicious sweet potato cakes, “congretes” and “mantecaus”.
Typical products: virgin olive oil, Cooperative de Pedralba.
Places of interest:
The municipality includes an 18th-century church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, with a baroque door and neoclassical façade, and the Hermitage of Our Lady of Luján (patron saint of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay). A visit to Calle Acequia is a must, as is a stroll through the village’s other streets, which contain notable examples of popular architecture. The fountain in Plaza de la Constitución follows the architectural models of the 19th/20th centuries. The municipality’s natural sites of beauty include “La Playeta”, a recreational area through which the River Túria runs, and the bridge and dam of Pedralba, which is surrounded by rich, lush vegetation.
The village of Pedralba is an enclave in which it is still possible to breathe tranquillity in our developing area without having to travel to the mountains of La Serrania. The village lies only 35-40 minutes from the city of Valencia. Interesting sites for visitors include:
The Church
Very characteristic Valencian Baroque style
Calle de la escalera
A point from which the visitor can appreciate the village’s past, including the remains of the castle, which are now integrated into the architecture
Hermitage of Lujá
Vegetable plots in the river
El Pontón
Three parks (“la trilladora”, “los olivos”, and “Bosmie L’Aguille”)
La Peña Latrón Trail
Starting from the ascent to the Hermitage of Our Lady of Lujan, the trail leads us first to “La Fuente de la Canaleta”, and then to the dam, where we can enjoy a magnificent view of the River Turia (latitude: 39° 35′ 58.37″ N longitude: 0° 42′ 48.68″ W). By continuing along a very narrow track we come to a ravine in which we can observe one of the canal’s old sluice gates. After crowning “El Pico de la Peña Latrón”, we descend to cross the river on some rocks and observe “El Nido del Águila” from above (latitude: 39° 36′ 4.96″ N longitude: 0° 41′ 27.82″ W).
Following the “Barranco de la Pedrera”, rich in vegetation, we arrive at the cave of the same name. We reach the end of our route at the Hermitage of Our lady of Luján, which exudes peace and tranquillity and where we can refresh ourselves in the “Fuente del Parque” spring, which offers a beautiful viewpoint over the River Turia.
Another interesting, circular route starts from the bridge near the bar. It crosses the Chiva Ravine in the direction of El Pontón, from where we take the Llano de Blay path, which leads to the Colomera cave, an open chasm (latitude 39° 36′ 13.90” N, longitude 0° 45’22.56″ W), and the Merinel cave (latitude 39º 36′ 11.53” N, longitude 0° 45’ 32.35’’ W). We then return to the village by “El Azud”, reaching “El Pontón” and crossing the river. For anyone wishing to visit these caves, we advise informing a caving association in order to avoid any unnecessary risks.
Festivities:
PATRON SAINT FESTIVITIES
The most important festivities are dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Pedralba, which are held on 17th January. The festivities last one week. The most notable events are: the blessing of animals, High Mass, processions, fireworks, “bous al carrer” (bull-running) in the square, and street dance with live music in the multipurpose facilities. The acts which take place during these dates include: on the eve of festivities of Saint Anthony, a large bonfire is built in the village square, and the villagers dine on sandwiches and wine. Formerly, the bonfires were lit by the villagers in the doorways of their homes and children jumped over them using canes as poles.
SUMMER FESTIVITIES
The Summer Festival is held during the first week of August. It has a more casual air than the main festivities of January. The festivities were originally known as the Musical Festival. Over time, other acts were added until the festivities became as we know them today. There is bull-running in Calle de la Acequia and in the square, “toros embolados” (in which a bull has balls of flammable material attached to its horns) in the square, street dances in the multi-use space, cultural acts, live music concerts and sports events.
CARNIVAL
Once highly popular in Pedralba, the Carnival festivities are once again gaining importance. Recent years have seen a large group of young people working to increase participation in the festivity and to revive its creativity.
