Puntos de Interés
Culture
Wool Wasjery
From the 15th century until the beginning of the 19th century, Soria was a leading producer of fine wool in the Crown of Castile. Most of this wool originated from transhumant Merino sheep and was exported to other European countries for the manufacture of cloth. The Honrado Concejo de la Mesta, a guild of livestock farmers that operated from the 13th century until 1836, played a pivotal role in the development of livestock farming in Spain. The guild's efforts resulted in a series of privileges and protections that extended to the whole peninsula. These included the conservation of livestock trails and the control of pasture prices.
Following the shearing of the sheep, the wool must be washed prior to export. This process resulted in a notable reduction in the weight of the fibre, making it more convenient to transport. In the second half of the 18th century, the laundries of the province of Soria washed more than 50,000 arrobas (575,000 kg) of wool each year, equivalent to the production of some 600,000 head of cattle. The town of Soria, situated on the banks of the Duero river, boasted three laundries at one point in time. However, only the Lavadero de Lanas (Wool Laundry) remains today. This facility is believed to have served as a sorting and storage area for wool prior to and following washing.
During the first half of the 20th century, the washerwomen of the Duero played a pivotal role in the washing of wool and in the daily life of the city. In 1900, they established their own Sociedad de Lavanderas de Soria, and shortly afterwards, in 1906, they developed their own regulations, which constituted a fully-fledged labour agreement. It was possible for anyone to go down to the river Duero with a bundle of dirty clothes and hire the services of washerwomen, who would wash the clothes by hand and deliver them practically dry for a small fee. In 1932, the Town Council identified the need to rehabilitate and refurbish the Wool Laundry, as the women had been carrying out their work in very adverse conditions. The incorporation of individual washing basins, pressure taps and drains connected to the river is therefore a key aspect of the project. While these innovations enhanced the quality of laundresses' work, they were not widely adopted. With the advent of the washing machine and laundries, hand washing gradually declined until it became obsolete. In tribute to the washerwoman, a sculpture of her has been erected in Soto Playa since 2023. Created by Ricardo González Sainz from Soria, the sculpture serves to honour her dedication and devotion.
In 2015, a restoration of the La Lavadero de Lanas was completed to safeguard its historical and authentic character. The washhouse was restored in accordance with the original plans, using period materials and incorporating a footbridge to facilitate easier access for tourists. In addition to the historical visit to see the old building, the Lavadero de Lanas is used for the occasional performance of plays and the periodic location of exhibitions, having been converted into a cultural centre in every sense of the word.