Introduction to the Province of Soria
The mountainous and sparsely populated province of Soria is in the autonomous community of Castilla and Leon, in central north east Spain. In its Sierra de Urbion mountain range is the source of the River Duero and its lovely yet rarely visited open spaces and historic towns make for a relaxing holiday destination.

Soria City
Built on the banks of the River Duero, Soria is a small capital city and easily explored on foot. Most of the city’s sights are to be found within the city’s defensive walls that enclose the old quarter and at the centre of this area is the Co-Cathedral of San Pedro, which has a beautiful Romanesque cloister within its atmospheric interior. Also worth a look are the 12th Century Convent Church of Santo Domingo, which has a fine façade and the Romanesque Church of San Juan de Rabanera.

Soria has a massive 16th Century palace in the National Monument of the Palacio de los Condes de Gomara, presently the Provincial Courthouse. If you stroll along the Alameda de Cervantes, out through the city walls, you will come to the 17th Century Sanctuary of La Soledad, set in a lovely open space.

On the other side of the city, across the Puente Medieval (Mediaeval Bridge) that spans the River Duero, is the now ruined 13th Century monastery of San Juan de Duero, which is a truly atmospheric place set in a dramatic location on the bank of the river.

In the Museo Numantino (Numancia Museum) back in the old part of the city, are the fascinating finds from the archaeological site of Numancia, a former Celtiiberian town 7km north of Soria. The town was famously destroyed by its inhabitants, who then committed collective suicide, rather than have to surrender it to the Romans who had been holding it siege for several months.

Around Soria City and Beyond
The town of Almazan, about 35km south of Soria city, like Soria is a fine, walled town. Within he walls, the Church of San Miguel and the fine Renaissance Palacio Hurtado de Mendoza are definitely worth a visit. Further south still, the village of Medinaceli is a striking sight, high up above the River Jalon. It possesses an unusual Roman Arch and in the surprisingly quiet streets is to be found the Palacio de lo Duques de Medinaceli, which was the seat of the family considered to be the rightful heirs to the Castilian throne until untimely deaths and disinheritance intervened.

The former university town of El Burgo de Osma actually possesses the province’s Cathedral, situated in the Plaza Mayor. The Cathedral is a very over-the-top creation, even by Spanish Gothic standards. This walled town itself is very picturesque with mediaeval colonnaded streets and houses supported on columns. The town is also the gateway to the Cañon de Rio Lobos Natural Park. The entire park is impressive, with fantastic rock formations, natural caves and of course, the gorge of the Rio Lobos itself. It is fine hiking country. To the north rises the Sierra de Urbion Mountains, where the River Duera has its source. Here is also to be found the beautiful Ice Age lake of Laguna Negra.

West of El Burgo de Osma is the former fortified town of San Esteban de Gormaz with its ruined castle and to the south is the town of Gormaz which has an incredible fortification system, one of the largest in the Western world. Its 28 towers are now ruined but still impressive to visit and experience. The mediaeval village of Calatañazor is famous for its unusual houses, which have distinctive chimneys and wooden balconies.

The Gastronomy of Soria
The cuisine of Soria relies heavily on the lamb and pork that is raised on its lands. A typical dish you will come across is Caldereta de Oveja, which is a lamb stew. Garlic and paprika is widely used in its typical dishes too, such as Migas, a dish of fried breadcrumbs, garlic and paprika. Chorizo and cured meats abound, as does trout, all sorts of pulses and the famous beans from Burgo de Osma. A peculiarity of the province is the Morcilla Dulce, which is a type of black pudding with raisins and sugar. Soria produces some fine goat’s cheese, white and fresh and also very creamy butter.

The Duero is a famed wine-making region and so any of the wines from the Ribera del Duero denomination would go well with your meals.

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