Pardilla: History and Landscape

Pardilla lies on the southern edge of the province of Burgos, amid ochre-colored landscapes that rise in steps across the Riaza basin toward the rugged Somosierra Pass. The Arroyo de Pardilla crosses the municipality and is a tributary of the Río Riaza.

Landscape, Routes and Directions

A route climbs to Cerro de la Mojonera at 1,010 m. From there, it offers views across the southernmost part of the Ribera del Duero and the Serrezuela de Pradales, which lies in the province of Segovia. These are two distinct geographical features in the panorama: the Ribera del Duero and an area in the province of Segovia.

The route starts in Pardilla and heads south across the former Madrid–Irún national road, which is now closed to traffic. Check local conditions before setting out. The route also follows the Cañada Real de Merinas, a historic transhumance route. Herders used it to travel between the summer pastures in the Sierra de la Demanda and the winter grazing lands in Extremadura.

Two roads are useful for finding your way: the A-1 motorway crosses the municipality of Pardilla, while the BU-202 regional road connects Pardilla with Fuentenebro to the southwest. Check current road conditions before travelling.

Parish Church and Local History

The parish church stands on a hill and is dedicated to the Beheading of John the Baptist. Its features include a two-tier, Gothic-style bell gable and a rectangular apse. Inside, the church has three naves separated by large Neoclassical arcades, as well as smooth plaster vaults built using the Encamonado technique. Gothic-style and Neoclassical forms appear in different parts of the building.

The church’s furnishings include a Romanesque baptismal font with large rolls and a Baroque Solomonic main altarpiece. The altarpiece depicts John the Baptist, as well as Peter and Paul. The building’s history also spans several periods: one section dates from the 13th century, while the rest was built in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Pardilla’s history probably began in the second half of the 11th century. The first documentary mention dates to 1130, when the place was already known as Pardilla. The probable early beginnings and the first recorded mention mark different points in the town’s history. Pardilla belonged to the community of Montejo de la Vega de la Serrezuela and was granted villa status in 1655. There are also at least six Bronze Age settlements in Pardilla.

Winegrowing in Pardilla

Bodegas Rojo is a family winery in Pardilla (Burgos). It was founded in 2001 by José María Rojo Ortega and his family. If you are considering including the winery in your travel plans, check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Villanueva de Lastra, Peñacoba, Arroyal, Vadocondes, Villanueva de Argaño, Renuncio, Las Quintanillas, Quintanilla del Agua

For the broader travel overview: Burgos.