Soria

Soria is a small city situated on the banks of the River Duero in the Castilla y Leon region of central Spain. Despite some modern redevelopment Soria, the visitor can still wander the narrow streets which look unchanged from when they were built in the Middle Ages. In the city centre is the premier church of Soria, the 12th century Santo Domingo church. The front facade of the church is considered to be amongst the finest examples of its kind.

Another religious building in the Romanesque style in Soria is the church of Santa María la Mayor, which has a Romanesque frontage.
To the east of the city is the cathedral of San Pedro. This was founded in the 12th century and was extensively restored in the 16th century. The frontage is renaissance and it has three naves which are gothic in style. The interior has many reredos (screens), notably a Flemish triptych depicting the Crucifixion.
Just outside the city stands a former abode of one of the orders of the crusades, the Order of the Hospitallers of Jerusalem. This is the monastery of San Juan de Duero. Much of it is in ruins, but there is a string of arches dating from the 13th century which clearly reveals the differences between the Moorish and the Romanesque architectural styles.

Close by, hewn from a cliff side, can be seen the Hermitage of San Saturio. This is a private chapel which dates from the 18th century. It is octagonal in shape and inside there is an altar which is baroque in style. Unusual to find in a small chapel such as this are the wall frescoes which are the work of a local artist.

Soria’s main food specialities are roast meats, in particular lamb and pork.