Retortillo de Soria: Walls, Churches and Routes

Retortillo de Soria combines a well-preserved fortified wall complex and historic churches with several routes.

Fortifications and Church Architecture

A well-preserved fortified wall complex protected Retortillo de Soria. On the western side is the Arco de Sollera, also called the Arco de abajo: a 14th-century gate with two tall, round flanking towers. The eastern Arco de Oriente, also called the Arco de arriba, dates from the 16th century.

The Iglesia de San Pedro is a Gothic parish church with a hall layout, three naves and a polygonal apse. Its apse is believed to date from around the 15th century. The church also houses a Romanesque depiction of the Virgen del Prado and relics of Saint Ursula and her fellow martyrs.

Another Romanesque building is the Ermita de San Miguel in the abandoned settlement of Lérida. Its portal and capitals date from the 12th century.

Historic Connections and Routes

Retortillo de Soria lies on a Roman road that connected Segontia, present-day Sigüenza, via Termancia with Uxama, present-day Osma. The Way of St James also passes through the town: Retortillo is connected to the Camino de Santiago via the Ruta de la Lana. The route’s eighth stage runs between Atienza and Tarancueña and passes through Retortillo.

Another route starts in Retortillo and reaches Tiermes after 19.3 kilometres. There you’ll find the Ermita de Santa María, the remains of a monastery first mentioned in 1136. Tiermes is also the endpoint of the GR 86.1, the Sendero Ibérico Soriano. Another route description covers the 15.5-kilometre GR-86 stage from Brías to Retortillo. It first follows sections of a Roman road and an old track through holm oak stands and steppe areas, then continues along a path and an agricultural track.

A cycling stage also passes through Retortillo de Soria: the Berlanga de Duero–Atienza stage of the El Destierro circular cycling route runs through the town.

Landscape in the Municipality

Vertical rock formations of the Sierra Pela rise on the southern side of Retortillo de Soria. Praos de Nieves is another place of scenic interest in the area.

The municipality includes 6,793.59 hectares of the Altos de Barahona ZEPA protected area. This area accounts for 39 percent of the municipality.

Planning Information

The municipality offers an on-demand transport service connecting all settlements in the municipality with Berlanga del Duero. Confirm the booking rules and service availability before travelling.

An access notice revised on 27 September 2017 states that the exterior of the Ermita de San Miguel is freely accessible. For access to the interior, check availability in advance with Retortillo de Soria Town Hall.

Discover more destinations: La Rasa, Quintanas De Gormaz, Duruelo De La Sierra, Olvega, Abejar, Cubilla, Viana, Valdeavellano De Tera

Return to the main travel overview: Soria.