Medinaceli (Soria)

What you can see and do in Medinaceli

Medinaceli is one of those places that travellers on the Way of El Cid mustn’t fail to visit, however hard the long ascent is for cyclists and walkers.

The old Medinaceli is a town of stone, harmonious, small and quiet, well cared for and with great historical-artistic interest. On entering Medinaceli, an Arabic name that means the ‘city of heaven’, travellers will first encounter a Roman arch that is unique in Spain for its triple arches and which overlooks the Arbujuelo valley. It shows that Romans lived in this place, which had previously been inhabited by Celtiberian tribes although it seems that they occupied the next hill, where remains of the walls of the ancient Ocilis have been found.

From the 8th to the 12th centuries, it was a Muslim fortress of great geostrategic importance. In the Caliphate, Medinaceli was in the vanguard of the Middle March, the optimal site for starting or ending attacks on enemy territories. Located on a hill at 1,200m altitude, it was almost impugnable.

Some ruins still remain from those times, like the castle (although its modern appearance is a mix of reforms from the 8th to the 14th centuries) and small fragments of the walls, whose most significant section is the Market Gate.

The splendour of Medinaceli would arrive in the 16th century, after the concession of the title of the first Duke of Medinaceli to Don Luis de La Cerda, with the construction of large religious and civil buildings, such as the Collegiate of Our Lady of Medinaceli, the Franciscan convent of Santa Clara, mansions and the Ducal Palace (16th and 17th century) designed by the architect Juan Gómez de la Mora, in the magnificent main square, where the old corn exchange is also situated.

The square has a small interpretation centre with models and even a small souk so that visitors can learn more about the history of the town.

You also should not miss

• Dusk. Medinaceli is on a hill, so it enjoys interesting views over the surrounding area. The sunsets seen from the castle are spectacular.
• If you like or are interested in modern art, you must see the Ducal Palace, where the DeArte Foundation possesses a fascinating centre for contemporary art, Medinaceli DEARTE, with travelling and permanent exhibitions by important modern artists. It is a unique gallery for such a small town, and without a doubt it adds value to the heritage and life in the town.

Rev.: JGG 11.08.21