Soria at night offered several delights on this visit. We had a busy start to our travels in Lerma and I was looking forward to the time in this lovely town.
Santa Domingo
The Church of Santa Domingo1 dates from the late 12th century and was built on the site of the earlier church of St Tome. It stands next to the walls and what used to be the Rosario Gate. The Romanesque church was altered in the 16th century and attached to a monastery. The Dominicans left in Mendizabal’s confiscations but shortly afterwards the Poor Clares moved into the convent.
We visited in the daytime, just ahead of a tourist crocodile. The tour guide stood her group on the steps outside the church and lectured rapidly and fluently before marching the people inside. Down the aisle, up to the altar and back out of the front door, phone cameras deployed regardless of anyone praying. Five minutes later it was all over. Yes, I took a photograph, without flash and in a quiet corner. Perhaps no better?
Then we returned to the church for the evening service which was sung by the nuns in plainchant. It was quite wonderful; peaceful and calm and reassuring. But sadly one or two visitors still managed to wander in…
San Juan de Rabanera2
This church stands just five minutes away from the wonderful flat we occupied in Soria. On my way to the Alameda I saw this wedding. In Spain the ladies dress for weddings and this means evening dress – satin, lace, glitter, sparkles, bright colours, beautiful shoes – just gorgeous!
At night the church is lit up and very beautiful.
The Music Festival
Every year Soria hosts a music festival in September and this year we were fortunate to be there.
In the Plaza Mayor a stage had been set up and where one of the Music Festival concerts was taking place, given by Teatro Real Cerca de Ti. A Mozart pastiche was absolutely wonderful! I never thought I would say that. People were sitting quietly, absolutely rapt – it was wonderful – and I think Mozart would have approved.
Soria is a wonderful place in which to spend time, and Soria at night is especially good. It is genuine, traditional yet contemporary – just right.
- Church of Santa Domingo: https://www.turismosoria.es/en/what-to-see/monuments/church-of-santo-domingo/ ↩︎
- The Church of San Juan de Rabanera: https://www.turismosoria.es/que-ver/monumentos/iglesia-de-san-juan-de-rabanera/ ↩︎
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