Soria information
General information
The history of Soria is linked to the neighbouring
Celtiberian settlement of Numancia, whose inhabitants led a heroic
defence of the city against the seige of the Roman Empire (2th
century B.C.). Later, due to its strategic situation, the area
was the subject of a battle between Christians and Muslims (9th
century). After its incorporation into the Crown of Castile, Soria
experienced its peak during the reign of Alfonso VIII (12th-13th
century) and throughout the whole of the Middle Ages it was an
important manufacturing centre based on wool production.
Soria still retains an important Romanesque legacy in its network
of medieval streets. In the historic centre of the town is one
of the most important churches in the city, the church of Santo
Domingo, a beautiful 12th century construction whose main front
is considered one of the best of the entire Romanesque period.
Near the River Duero, is the procathedral of San Pedro. Built
at the end of the 12th century and rebuilt during the 16th century,
it has a Renaissance main front and three gothic naves. Inside
you can admire beautiful reredos, such as the Flemish triptych
of the Crucifixion. The cloister, which has been declared a National
Monument, is characterised by the three sections of series of
half arches supported on columns on which various allegorical
scenes are portrayed.
Among other religious buildings in Romanesque style in Soria are
the church of Santa María la Mayor, with a Romanesque main front,
and that of San Juan de Rabanera. this church, originally from
the 12th century, denotes certain Byzantine influences. Inside,
you can appreciate this oriental tendency in the apse. Also, a
reredos executed by the sculptor Francisco de Ágreda and the painter
Baltanás attracts your attention.
Meanwhile, the Plaza Mayor, in Castilian style, is flanked by
several interesting buildings: the House of the Twelve lineages
(17th century), site of the Town Hall and the old town hall.
In the streets of the historic quarter we can find noble constructions
such as the Palace of los Ríos y Salcedo, and that of the Counts
of Gómara (16th century), declared a National Monument.
The current site of the Provincial Court is housed in this Renaissance
building, distinguished by its stone façade and its large
quadrangular tower.
The Alameda de Cervantes constitutes the main walk through the
city centre, where you will find the hermitage of la Soledad.
In its interior is the Christ of the Shrine, a carving from the
16th century attributed to Juan de Juni.
The Sorian cultural offer has its main reference in the Numantino
Museum, which allows you to fins out about the origins of the
city and the past of the province through a collection of pieces
from various archaeological digs. Its findings include all types
of objects from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages, from funeral
offerings from the Celtiberian age to Numantine ceramics.
On the outskirts of the city are the banks of the River Duero,
whose idyllic landscape was the source of inspiration for Spanish
artists and poets, such as Antonio Machado. In this place you
can find the monastery of San Juan de Duero, where the former
Order of the Hospitallers of Jerusalem used to reside. Among its
remains you can still find the series of arches belonging to its
cloister, the construction of which dates back to the 13th century
and reflects the Muslim influence on the Romanesque style. Near
this monastery, on the left bank of the river, excavated from
the rock is the baroque Hermitage of San Saturio, the patron saint
of the city. This small chapel, dating from the 18th century,
presents an octogonal plan.
Oficina de Turismo: Plaza Ramón y Cajal, s/n
42003 Soria (Soria)
Tel. +34 975212052
Source: Web server of Instituto de Turismo de España, TURESPAÑA.