history soria
Prehistoric and early man
The history of Soria is evident in every corner of the province. The rock art found in limestone and sandstone caves is testimony to human occupation in this area for over 5000 years. The fossilised dinosaur footprints dating back 140 million years are clearly visible in many archaeological sites. You can wander around Spain’s very own Jurassic Park, viewing dinosaur tracks on the ‘Route of the Dinosaurs’.The Celt Iberians
The Celt Iberians (300 BC) built fortified villages on the hill tops overlooking Sorias plains. The most important of all the Celt Iberian sites in Soria, is Numancia. This small settlement passionately resisted the mighty Roman armies for 20 years before the Numancians finally committed suicide and surrendered their village in flames. Numancia has become a symbol for the people of Soria.
The Romans
Roman domination of Soria began in 133 BC, this can be seen clearly in Medinaceli, where the mighty Roman arch still stands proud, the only one of its kind in Spain. Archaeological digs in Medinaceli have revealed some of the most impressive Roman mosaics found in Spain. It was the Romans who introduced wine making to the region, a tradition still practiced in the wine region of ‘Ribera del Duero’.
Castles, El Cid and the Knights Templar
It was during the reign of the Arab Kings that the large defensive castles and ‘Atalayas’ (communication towers) were built, their impressive remains can still be seen throughout the province. Soria has perhaps the largest concentration of medieval castles in Europe, some of which have been connected to the Knights Templar. The castles at Agreda and Castillejo de Robledo were both holdings of the Knights Templar. Gormaz castle was at its time, the longest castle in Western Europe and it was in this area that the great Castilian hero ‘El Cid’ fought long and hard, at times for both the Castilian Kings and the Arab Kings of Zaragoza. These ‘Frontier Lands’ played an important role in the Reconquista (the re conquering of Spain).
Medieval and Romanesque Architecture
Soria reached its period of most splendour during the middle ages, when it became the Capital of ‘Old Castile’ where the modern day Spanish language originated. Its prosperity due to sheep farming is evident in many of its Romanesque buildings. The Church of Santo Domingo in the capital has arguably the finest Romanesque façade in Spain and the superb painted frescoes in the 11th Century hermitage of San Baudelio, are a sight to be seen.Fiestas and Traditions
Soria's traditions and fiestas have been practiced for centuries. In the village of San Pedro Manrique you find one of the few places in the world that still perform the ancient ritual of ‘Fire walking’ on burning embers, ‘in the Paso de Fuego’. Soria's biggest fiesta is that of San Juan, a six day colourful event based around the bull. Each day is different from the next. On the fifth day of fiesta the locals dress in traditional costumes typically worn since the 13th Century and parade through the streets of the Capital.
The Poets Machado, Diego and Bécquer
And finally we can not forget the poets, who were inspired whilst wandering these lands. Although Antonio Machado and Gerado Diego were not from Soria, the beauty they saw sent them into great heights of lyricism. Spanish Footsteps can arrange a tour for you walking in the footsteps of the great Spanish poets, like Antonio Machado. The most famous Castilian epic poetry ‘Cantar del mio Cid’ (the lay of Cid) was written in Soria around 12th – 13th Century about the great Castilian hero El Cid.
If you are looking for a relaxing walking holiday where you can view dinosaur footprints, roam around Celt Iberian and Roman sites, stroll through medieval villages, admire Romanesque and Knights Templar architecture or just enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature, Spanish Footsteps has a journey for you.
