Santa María De Las Hoyas: Nature and History

Santa María De Las Hoyas marks the southwestern end of the large woodland area of Tierra de Pinares and El Valle; from there, the landscape opens out onto the plains along the banks of the Duero. The forest and open plains give the area a distinctive landscape. Churches, festivals and a long-standing culinary tradition add to its appeal. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip here, you can decide on your focus in advance: the natural landscape, architectural history, local customs or regional cuisine.

Landscape and Nature

Part of the municipality lies within the Cañón del Río Lobos Natura 2000 site, which is designated as both a ZEPA and an LIC. The canyon is a 25-kilometre-long limestone gorge. It was formed by river erosion and the dissolution of the rock by water. There are more than 200 open caves in the municipality and nearby area where caving is possible. Access conditions may vary from cave to cave, so check them in advance for the specific cave you plan to visit.

Religious Buildings and Local History

The Ermita del Cristo de Miranda is believed to have been built in the 13th century. Its retablo, or altarpiece, is framed by Solomonic columns and includes a panel painting depicting the Holy City. The Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción was built of masonry in the early 17th century. A sundial dating from 1603 is located on a buttress at the entrance to the atrium. According to local tradition, the settlement was once on a mountain and called Miranda; it was later moved to the foot of the mountain and given its current name, Santa María De Las Hoyas.

Festivals Throughout the Year

On 14 September, the annual patron saint festival of Santo Cristo de Miranda is celebrated with a procession to the Ermita del Santo Cristo de Miranda. The Mayo tradition is observed in May and involves shared meals and gatherings with neighboring villages. The occasions therefore differ clearly in timing: a September procession and a community tradition observed in May.

Cuisine and Traditional Preparation

Local cuisine includes a lamb stew cooked in a pot and seasoned with onion, garlic and paprika. Traditional preparation and curing methods include chorizos and güeñas, which are dried over smoke and then preserved in olive oil, as well as lomo, bacon seasoned with garlic and paprika, and air-dried Jamón Serrano. Chops grilled over hot coals offer a different preparation from the lamb stew and the smoked or air-dried products.

Getting There from Soria

The road route from Soria follows the N-234 to San Leonardo and then the SO-934 to Santa María De Las Hoyas. Check road conditions and the route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Dombellas, San Felices, Langa De Duero, Santervás De La Sierra, Quintanas De Gormaz, Hinojosa de la Sierra, Molinos De Duero, Borobia

For the main travel overview: Soria.