Main Square in Soria
The Plaza Mayor is the main square of Soria, where the cultural and social life of the city takes place. It is a rectangular square, partially surrounded by arcades, from which streets of historical and commercial significance, such as Collado, Zapatería, or Sorovega, emerge. The square is home to numerous monuments and statues that testify to the rich history and tradition of this city. Therefore, it is worth stopping for a moment and admiring their charms.
The square features the Palacio de la Audiencia, built in the 18th century as the seat of the city council, court, and prison. It is an imposing neoclassical building, with a beautiful portico with five arcades and a balcony with six windows. Today, it is a cultural center, where exhibitions, performances, concerts, and conferences are held.
Next to the Palacio de la Audiencia is the Casa de los Doce Linajes, the seat of a noble lineage, which had a great influence on the political and social life of Soria in the Middle Ages. It is a 16th-century building, with an interesting facade with the coats of arms of twelve families. Inside, there is a hall with portraits of all members of the lineage, as well as an archive with historical documents.
At the opposite end of the square stands the Casa del Común, built in the 18th century as the seat of the llano state, i.e., the representation of the bourgeoisie in the city council. It is a simple building with three floors, each with four arcades. Inside, there is the Arco del Cuerno, which served as a gate for bulls during medieval corridas. The Casa del Común also houses a historical archive, where fueros documents, i.e., privileges granted to Soria by various kings, are stored.
On the corner of the square, at Sorovega Street, stands the Palacio de Doña Urraca, also known as the Palacio de los Beteta. It is a Gothic building from the 14th century, which belonged to the powerful Beteta family, which was associated with the royal Trastámara dynasty. The building has a quadrangular tower with machicolations and pointed arch windows. Inside, there is a patio with arcades and columns. According to legend, in this palace, King Peter I the Cruel took refuge when he was fleeing from his brother Henry II.
In the middle of the square, there is the Fuente de los Leones, a fountain with four stone lions, which was built in 1861. The lions symbolize the strength and dignity of the city, and also refer to the coat of arms of Soria. The fountain is a meeting place and a place of celebration of important events for the inhabitants of Soria, such as the fiesta de San Juan, Semana Santa, or Año Nuevo.
