Puntos de Interés
Municipality
San Esteban de Gormaz
San Esteban de Gormaz is a municipality in the Tierras del Burgo region, in the west of the province of Soria, 69 km from the provincial capital.
The municipal district comprises the town of San Esteban and eighteen other villages or hamlets, including Olmillos and Pedraja de San Esteban.
The town has a long history, with its origins dating back to the Celtiberian period, around the 1st century BC. It was originally a settlement located on a hillfort, which became a crossing point and crossroads between the Celtiberian cities of Clunia, Tiermes, Uxama Argaela and Segontia Lanka.
During the Christian conquest, San Esteban's was a strategically important military stronghold and a zone of persistent conflict for approximately 200 years. The arrival of Alfonso III of Asturias's troops led to the fortification of San Esteban, which subsequently became a frontier between Christians and Muslims until the fall of the Caliphate of Córdoba at the beginning of the 11th century.
In 1187, the inaugural Cortes of Castile were held in the town, marking the beginning of San Esteban's ascension in terms of political, demographic and economic influence. This trajectory continued until the end of the 13th century, a period of remarkable growth and prosperity.
The municipality of San Esteban is regarded as the birthplace of Soria's Romanesque architecture and was designated a Historic-Artistic Site in 1995.
An example of this is the Romanesque church of San Miguel, constructed in 1081. It is the first church in the province to feature a Romanesque porticoed gallery and is the oldest church in the town. Another notable attraction is the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rivero, constructed in the 12th century and situated on a rise in the land on the banks of the Duero River. The church was constructed in the same architectural style and with the same structural elements as the Church of San Miguel, and both churches have been designated as Sites of Cultural Interest.
One of the most notable landmarks in the town is the castle of Gormaz. This key fortress was constructed during the Christian conquest (between the 10th and 11th centuries) and originally served as an Islamic stronghold. It was later rebuilt by the Castilian troops. The city's advantageous geographical position has allowed it to maintain control of the Duero river crossing via a medieval bridge with sixteen spans, which is still in use today.
Furthermore, San Esteban offers the opportunity to visit the Romanesque Park, which features models of significant architectural monuments of Castilian Romanesque origin, and the Ecomuseum Molino de Los Ojos, which provides insight into the history and traditional economy of San Esteban.
the patron saint festivities in honour of the Santo Cristo de la Buena Dicha and Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Rivero will be held between 7 and 11 September.
Since 2000, the Medieval Market of San Esteban de Gormaz has been held on the third weekend of August each year. It has become one of the most significant entities in the region and in the Community of Castilla y León.