Free walking tours in Soria and what to see

Must-sees

Soria is a small, quiet city closely tied to the Duero. By the river are the cloister arches of San Juan de Duero, an unusual mix of styles. From there a riverside walk leads to the hermitage of San Saturio, built over a cave in the rock. It is one of the loveliest walks in the city.

In the centre, the church of Santo Domingo has one of the richest Romanesque façades in Castile. Visit too the co-cathedral of San Pedro and its cloister. The Numantine Museum explains the history of Numantia. For a rest, the Alameda de Cervantes is the city’s great park. Antonio Machado left his mark here, and the classroom where he taught can be visited.

Free tours and guided visits

Soria has few free tours and they do not always run every day, so check beforehand. When they do, they cover the centre, the Romanesque churches and the banks of the Duero, with references to Machado and to Bécquer, who set his legend of the Mount of Souls here.

Guided visits make most sense in the surroundings. The ruins of Numantia, at Garray, are much easier to understand with a guide. There are also trips to the Laguna Negra, the Río Lobos canyon and villages such as Calatañazor or Medinaceli. For Numantia and the villages, it is easiest to drive or join an organised trip, as public transport is scarce.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the city: the morning for the centre and Santo Domingo, and the afternoon for the walk from San Juan de Duero to San Saturio. With two or three days you can add Numantia and a nature outing such as the Laguna Negra. In autumn the banks of the Duero are full of colour.

Where to stay

The centre, around the Plaza Mayor and Calle Collado, is the best base. Everything is a few minutes’ walk away, including the walk down to the river. There are few places to stay compared with bigger cities, so on long weekends and during festivals book ahead. If you are driving, look for one with parking nearby.