Places of Interest in Castilla-León - Soria

Soria, one of the places most identified with the Duero, the river which passes through it, retains the distinctive air of the small cities of the province. Located in the northern, it has become and is remembered as one of the most romantic cities in Spain.

Soria is a city noted for its monuments, and a wealth of churches, palaces, convents and chapels can be discovered in all its streets. It is a modern city which has in its possession an impressive collection of valuable historic and artistic treasures. Near the centre of Soria is the Alameda de Cervantes, an area of 9 hectares which is home to 80 different species of trees and bushes.

The original monastery of San Juan de Duero,the old monastery of the Caballeros Hospitalarios de San Juan de Jerusalén, is on the shore of the Duero. Its cloister reveals a large number of crossed horseshoe arches, which are open to the elements enhancing its charm. Another monastery accompanies the Duero on its way through the town: the ruins of San Polo, an old monastery which has retained an old chapel. The walk which follows the course of the river Duero, was one of the favourite routes of the famous poet Antonio Machado and passes the shrine of San Saturio. It ends in a flight of steps which climb to the Ermita de San Saturio, patron of the city.

The Convento de Santo Domingo contains an interesting oblong doorway and blind arcades. There is also the Concatedral de San Pedro, Romanesque in origin, which has been declared a listed building. The chapels in Soria consummate the artistic-religious heritage of the city, with beautiful examples such as the Virgin del Mirón, from the 18th century, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad from the 16th century and Nuestra Señora del Espino from the same era.

The Romanesque church of San Juan de Rabanera, declared a listed building, the Palacio de los Condes de Gómara, a jewel among Soria's civil architecture, the church of Nuestra Señora del Espino, the Ermita del Mirón and the Palacio de los Ríos y Salcedo are other fine architecturaly-artistic examples from the city.

Soria is wonderful city for wandering around the markets and the cafes de la Zapatería and enjoying the tapas offered by all the establishments in the centre. Los Herradores, los dos Tubos, la Dehesa and the Plaza Mayor are all essential places to visit. The local gastronomy is represented by numerous products which together provide an authentic culinary experience. It is said of the city's cooking that it forms part of what is known as "poor food". This label far from being disparaging, refers to the simple preparation of basic ingredients which need only a stove and a little water. Mushrooms, roasted meats, sausages (indirect consequences of the Sorian cierzo (north wind)), fish (trout) butter and pickles are the mainstays of Sorian gastronomy, without forgetting the bread, which is a legacy of the pastoral almuerzo (brunch) or the caldereta (stew).