Calatanazor

Calatañazor is popular throughout Spain for the famous legendary battle that would have taken place in its territory around the year 1002 and where the Muslim leader almanzor he would have lost his drum, as the saying goes. With this, he refers to the fact that this clash with the Christian troops ended his prestige as an unbeaten leader.

However, Calatañazor has many other things to offer you. Located in the Soria region of Land of the Burgoit's a lovely medieval village dominated by an imposing castle. Likewise, in its term there are wonders such as the juniper, a juniper forest that occupies about thirty hectares and has been declared a Natural Reserve. If you want to get to know this Soria town better, which is Historic Artistic Set since 1962, we invite you to follow us.

What to see in Catalañazor

The narrow streets of this town of Soria are made up of houses that have preserved intact their medieval look to the present. And, among them, there are some beautiful monuments that you should know. Let's see them.

Castle of Calatañazor

Located on a promontory and currently in ruins, what remains of this construction dates from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. However, the keep reveals Arab influence in its construction that points to an older origin. From what we can see, he was surrounded by a moat and a wall, which, like the rest of the castle, were built with masonry and reinforcing masonry in the corners.

Church of Our Lady of the Castle

It has Romanesque and Gothic elements, as well as a certain influence from Arab architecture. But, if the exterior is spectacular, the biggest surprises of this church await you inside. It has a precious baroque altarpiece of the seventeenth century, a baptismal font equally Romanesque and the carving of the Cristo del Amparo, dated in the XV century. In addition, you can see in the church a small museum with various pieces of historical and artistic value.

The hermitages

Calatañazor has two beautiful hermitages. That of loneliness It is located outside the town and we advise you to look at its capitals, beautifully carved. For its part, hermitage of San Juan It is in ruins although the cover is preserved.

The roll of justice

In medieval times it was called roll to a column that was located in the center of the towns to indicate to whom they were subjected. For example, if they were royal, ecclesiastical or council lordship. And, since Calatañazor has preserved his medieval aspect, he has also done so with his roll of justice, found in Plaza Mayor.

Ruins of Voluce

Calatañazor stands out for its medieval air, but its history goes back much further back in time. The best proof of this are the ruins of Return, an Arevaco settlement from the XNUMXrd century BC. You can visit them at the top of the hill of the Castejones, one kilometer from the town.

The nature of Calatañazor

With the town being beautiful, perhaps the best of Calatañazor is its surroundings, which make up some of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Castilla y León. We are going to visit them.

Sabinar from Catalañazor

We have already told you about this great forest of Juniper albares which occupies about thirty hectares. It is located south of the Sierra de Cabrejas, also near the town of Muriel of the Source. If you come to see it, do not forget to also visit the natural monument of La Fuentona. It is a rocky spring that gives rise to the Abión river and that forms a landscape of singular value. You can even go cave diving in its underwater caves.

Lobos River Canyon Natural Park

You can also visit the Calatañazor Banks of the Duero River and Tributaries, which are tourist attractions. But even more spectacular is the Lobos River Canyon Natural Park, which is located near the town of Soria.

It is a gigantic gorge in the limestone mountains that forms the bed of that river. It has also resulted in a huge karst relief full of chasms, caves and sinkholes. Both its flora and fauna have great ecological value.

If you want to know this natural wonder, you have an interpretation center and, in addition, you can do different hiking routes that run through it. For example, the one that starts at Seven Eyes Bridge, where there is a recreational area. And, as you do, do not stop seeing the Templar hermitage of San Bartolomé.

What to eat in Calatañazor

After a good walk, there is nothing better to recharge your batteries than a tasty meal. And the gastronomy of Soria is full of strong and delicious dishes. As starters, there are soups like chatelaine and sausages like sweet blood sausage. Also the mushrooms of the province are used to prepare dishes such as chanterelles casserole or the thistle soup with black truffles.

Regarding meats, those of lamb and pork, while the fish are from the river and stand out among them the grilled and smoked trout. But, as in the entire province of Soria, you must try the torreznos, which are strips of bacon toasted until crisp.

Other typical dishes of Calatañazor are the pastoral crumbs, caldereta, pickled quail, braised pigeons and compote partridges. As for the sweet, you have to try the Shortbread and steep or sobadillos. And, to drink, you have the magnificent wines of the Denomination of Origin Ribera de Duero.

When is it better to go to Catalañazor

The Soriano climate is cold in winter and hot in summer. The best date to visit the town is, therefore, this last period. In addition, in September are the patron saint festivities of Santo Cristo del Amparo and in July those of Santa Isabel. However, you can also visit Calatañazor in November, when the Mozarabic Days.

How to get to Calatañazor

You can travel to the Castilian town in bus. You have a line from Soria, but it only works on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. In addition, it is necessary to reserve a place. Therefore, the best way to get to Calatañazor is by private car.

To do so, you must take the N-122, which links Soria with Valladolid and then detour down the SO-P-5026, which takes you directly to the Castilian town.

In conclusion, Calatañazor is a beautiful medieval village with a lot of history, numerous monuments, great natural spaces, excellent gastronomy and the occasional legend like that of Almanzor.