Santa María de las Hoyas – Nature, Culture and Regional Cuisine

Santa María de las Hoyas forms the southwestern edge of the extensive woodland area of Tierra de Pinares and El Valle; here, the landscape opens out onto the plains along the banks of the Duero.

Nature

Part of the municipality of Santa María de las Hoyas belongs to the Cañón del Río Lobos Natura 2000 site, which is designated both as a Special Protection Area for birds (ZEPA) and as a Site of Community Importance (LIC). The Cañón del Río Lobos is a 25 km-long limestone gorge formed by river erosion and the dissolution of the rock by water. There are more than 200 open caves in the municipality and its immediate surroundings, where caving can be practised. The differences between a long gorge and many individual caves help to compare nature-related topics at different scales.

Culture and History

The Ermita del Cristo de Miranda contains an altarpiece framed by Solomonic columns, with a panel painting depicting the Holy City. The chapel is believed to have been built in the 13th century. At the entrance to the atrium of the Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción, a sundial dating from 1603 is mounted on a buttress. The Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción was built of masonry at the beginning of the 17th century. The village was formerly located on a mountain and was called Miranda; later, it was moved to the foot of the mountain and given its present name, Santa María de las Hoyas.

Festivals and Cuisine

The patron saint's festival of Santo Cristo de Miranda is celebrated on 14 September with a procession to the Ermita del Santo Cristo de Miranda. The tradition of the Mayo is observed in May and includes shared meals and gatherings with the neighbouring villages.

The local cuisine includes a lamb stew prepared in a pot and seasoned with onion, garlic and paprika. The traditional preparation and curing of meat products in Santa María de las Hoyas includes chorizos and güeñas, which are smoke-dried and then preserved in olive oil. The same culinary tradition also includes lomo, bacon seasoned with garlic and paprika, and air-dried Jamón Serrano. Grilled chops cooked over hot coals are also part of the local cuisine.

Getting There

By road from Soria, take the N-234 to San Leonardo, followed by the SO-934 to Santa María de las Hoyas.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Santa María de las Hoyas, you can review the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions together on the respective offer pages and compare these details with your personal travel period and desired booking conditions.

More destination pages: Garray, Viana, Santa María de Huerta, Casillas De Berlanga, Arenillas, Hinojosa de la Sierra, Los Villares De Soria, Oncala

For the main travel overview: Soria.