Soria, capital city of Soria Province, in north central Spain. The smallest of the Spanish provincial capitals, Soria is situated on the upper Douro River, 181 km (112 mi) northeast of Madrid. In the past Soria was important for its control over one of the principal routes from Aragon to Old Castile, but it was bypassed by main railroads. At the present time its chief function is as a local administrative and educational center and as a marketplace. Soria was the seat of a department during the Napoleonic era and it continued as capital of the province upon the restoration of Spain's monarchy in 1874.
Soria is of considerable interest for its old buildings and monuments, among them many Roman ruins. It also is known for its picturesque and narrow streets, plazas, and paseos (promenades). There are a number of churches, including those of Santo Domingo and San Pedro. The outward aspect of Soria has not changed markedly since late medieval times, and sections of the 13th-century walls remain. The city is noted for the mellow red color of its buildings. Population (1998 estimate) 33,882.
