Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Soria
The city of Soria located in the east of Castilla y León and serves as the capital of the province of the same name. The city centre sits at a strategic point at the foothills of the Iberian System on the banks of the River Duero, which throughout history has proven key for the economic development of the city and the surrounding municipalities. The location endows the municipality with an impressive natural heritage, included in the Natura 2000 Network, which allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy an extensive and varied cultural and leisure offering linked to the landscape surrounding the city.
Soria city centre has retained its historic and medieval character. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was inhabited going way back in history. Cave paintings dating from the 3000 and 2000 BC have been found in the area around Mount Valonsadero.
In other parts of the city, for example on the Cerro del Castillo hill, remains of Iron Age settlements and Celtiberian tribes have also been found, which are linked to the city of Numancia, located just six kilometres from the present-day city centre of Soria, whose ruins can be visited today. There, visitors will also find a museum in which they will find various vestiges found at the site.
The city's corners, narrow streets and squares are loaded with history and have provided inspiration for writers like Antonio Machado, Gerardo Diego and Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer who were enchanted by the allure of the city on the banks of the River Duero. That won’t surprise anyone who visits the city. A stroll through the historic centre reveals the city's medieval roots and a wealth of architectural gems, especially the Romanesque. They include numerous religious temples, among them the 12th century Church of Santo Domingo, Other notable sites include the remains of the city walls, the monasteries and the medieval viaduct that crosses the Duero.
The River Duero has for years been the backbone of the architecture of the municipality and some of the most important buildings in the city have been built along its banks, such as the Monastery of San Juan de Duero or the Templar Monastery of San Polo. Also in this enclave on the banks of the Duero is one of the most iconic buildings in Soria, the Shrine of San Saturio, built on a rocky outcrop above the riverbed. In addition to the unquestionable architectural merits of this temple, the primary draw is the spectacular natural setting, surrounded by a dense forest. The panoramic view of San Saturio, with the Duero at its feet has become one of the most iconic images of Soria.
But it is not only Soria's history and architecture that will win over visitors, as its spectacular gastronomy has earned a special mention by UNESCO. Much of Soria’s cuisine is based around the gourmet mushrooms that grow in the natural areas around the city. Throughout the year, there are a number of gastronomic highlights when the distinctive, unique products of Soria's cuisine are showcased and promoted. The programme includes a number of high-profile events, including the International Congress of Mycology, Mycological Tapas Week, the Soria Black Truffle Gastronomic Festival and the Spoon and Fork Festival.
One of the city's most popular festivals is the San Juan festival, which has been declared of Regional Tourist Interest and is celebrated on 24 June. The people of Soria also celebrate San Saturio in early October, with a week-long programme of cultural and entertainment events.