Throughout Spain, many places can be found with great historical and cultural value. In Castilla y León there is some of the best examples. Specifically Caracena, in the province of Soria, is presented as one of them. This town has been considered by many as the capital of the Soriano Romanesque thanks to its two churches, that of Santa María de la Asunción and that of San Pedro Apostle, the last of the two Declared in 1939 National Historic Artistic Monument.
ç is located in a valley surrounded by cannons and ravines formed by the Caracena River. What stands out most of this stamp is like at the heights, from a rocky promontory, the medieval castle of Caracena dominates the entire landscape as one of the symbols of the town.
This building may be currently in a state of ruin, but it is still still the great power of the region. Despite its relevance in history, this place has gone unnoticed over the years.
The origin of Caracena
From its origins, Caracena has been a strategic enclave. Its history goes back to the Celtibera and Roman times, although it was during the Middle Ages when it reached its greatest splendor. Its importance was reflected in its castle, which served as a defensive bastion on the border between Christians and Muslims during the reconquest.
Subsequently, In the fifteenth centurywas reformed by the lords of the town to adapt it to the military needs of the moment. Today, although in ruins, its imposing walls and towers still dominate the landscape, offering spectacular views of the valley and the town.
What to see in Caracena
Among its most outstanding constructions are The Romanesque Church of San Pedroone of the greatest artistic treasures of the town. Its porticated gallery, with a series of semicircular arches supported by columns with sculpted capitals, is a perfect example of the Castilian Romanesque. Not far from her, the Santa María Church It shows a transition from Romanesque to Gothic, with its imposing apse and its austere but elegant structure. These temples reflect the cultural and religious wealth that the town had.
The natural environment of Caracena
This point in the region is not just history and architecture; His natural environment is also one of his great attractions. Surrounded by mountains, cannons and paths, the people are a perfect destination for nature lovers. One of the most interesting routes is the one that crosses The Caracena River ravinea landscape in which it is easy to find leoned vultures flying over the sky and mountain goats moving between the rocks.
Over the centuries, life in Caracena has been marked by The hardness of climate and depopulationa common reality in many villages of emptied Spain. However, this isolation has allowed its medieval essence without great alterations.
How to get to Caracena
By car from Madrid, take the A-1 (North Highway) in the direction of Burgos. At kilometer 103, take the exit towards the N-110 in the direction of Riaza and Ayllón. Continued by the N-110 until you reach Ayllón. From there, follow the instructions to Caracena, through the towns of Ayllón, Lighter and Montejo de Tiermes. The journey is approximately 173 kilometers and lasts about 2 hours.
If parts from Soria Capital, take the road N-122 in the direction of El Burgo de Osma. Before reaching this town, in La Rasa, it diverts towards the SO-V-1601 that will take you directly to Caracena. The distance is about 85 kilometers and the estimated travel time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
It is important to keep in mind that some secondary roads in the province of Soria can be narrow and sinuous, so recommends driving with caution.
#town #capital #Soriano #Romanesque #medieval #strength #twelfth #century #visited #free
