An embedded PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate)-based sensor is developed for real-time, continuous, in-situ monitoring of hydrating cementitious materials after casting. The development of a multi-layer protection for a PZT patch, which provides a physical barrier with the surrounding medium while ensuring the sensitivity of measurement is described. Electrical impedance measurements from the sensor embedded inside mortar mixtures of different compositions are shown to sensitively provide an indication of changes in the state and the mechanical impedance of the material during periods associated with setting and early strength gain. An analytical procedure is developed for extracting the mechanical impedance of the surrounding cementitious material from the electromechanical measurements of the embedded PZT sensor. Changes in the mechanical impedance of mortars through periods of setting and early strength gain obtained from the embedded PZT sensor are validated using pin penetration, isothermal calorimetry and vibration-based measurements. Kinetics of hydration reaction obtained from isothermal calorimetry and increase in the penetration resistance during the setting behavior in the material, are accurately reflected in the increase in the mechanical impedance of the surrounding mortar obtained from the embedded PZT sensor. The continued increase in the mechanical impedance of the mortar after setting, up to 28 days, correlates well with the increase in elastic modulus of material obtained from vibration-based measurements. The durability of the sensor protection scheme is verified by evaluating the performance of sensors recovered from inside the mortar after long-term embedment. The embedded PZT sensor offers the potential for monitoring the local property development in a cementitious material from within the bulk of the structure and for use in quality assessment. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.