The city of Soria has once again found itself at the center of Spain’s cultural spotlight. The reason lies with an ancient Romanesque church that was recently added to the prestigious lists of the country’s most outstanding architectural wonders. This recognition highlights not only the medieval heritage and ornate richness typical of the Spanish Romanesque style, but also the building’s exceptional historical value. Its monumental façade has long been considered a benchmark of 12th-century art, while its unusual design, marked by clear French influence, makes it truly unique.
This is the church of Santo Domingo, a true masterpiece of Soria’s Romanesque period and one of the most thoroughly studied examples of the style. The façade’s architectural design, inspired by the renowned Notre-Dame-la-Grande in Poitiers, is remarkable for its striking harmony, a large central rose window, and a portal famously known as the ‘Bible in Stone.’ The portal earned this name thanks to its intricate sculptural composition, which, in the Middle Ages, served as a visual guide for the faithful. Officially designated as a Site of Cultural Interest in 2000, the church has since secured its status as one of the greatest achievements of Spanish Romanesque art and remains a constant feature in guidebooks and academic publications.
The church, designed in the shape of a Latin cross with three naves, underwent significant changes at the end of the 12th century. This expansion was made possible by the patronage of King Alfonso VIII and his wife, Eleanor Plantagenet, who initiated the creation of the façade now considered one of the most outstanding on the entire Iberian Peninsula. Its triangular structure, crowned with a cross, and two tiers of blind arcades create a unique visual impression, with the rose window serving as the compositional centerpiece. Lavishly decorated archivolts depict biblical scenes, including the twenty-four elders of the Apocalypse, the Massacre of the Innocents, and episodes from the childhood of Christ. This rich iconography continues to attract both experts and tourists to the site.
Inside, the decor preserves pointed vaults and capitals adorned with scenes from the Book of Genesis. Traces of 16th- and 19th-century renovations are also apparent, marking the church’s transformation first into a Dominican monastery and later into the Order of Saint Clare. Yet, it is the exterior sculptural ensemble that remains the main draw. This church even left its mark on world cinema, appearing in Orson Welles’s film ‘Chimes at Midnight.’ Its recent inclusion in prestigious rankings not only affirms the value of this architectural icon but also once again puts Soria on the map for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the evolution of Romanesque art in Spain.
