Soria's mayor, Javier Antón, has unveiled plans for the restoration of the medieval wall surrounding the Palacio de Alcántara, which will receive a total investment of €1.3 million. This project is significantly supported by the state’s 2% Cultural programme, contributing €948,280, while the local council will cover the remaining €387,325.
The initiative aims to free 92 linear metres of the medieval wall located in the historic centre of Soria, creating a new pedestrian public space on Calle Alberca. Accompanied by municipal architect Beatriz Carro, Antón detailed the project’s objectives, which include the consolidation and enhancement of the wall section adjacent to the Palacio de Alcántara and Calle Alberca.
This restoration is part of the Director Plan for the Soria Wall, developed by specialist architect Fernando Cobos, and focuses on Sector 4 (Phase 4.3 Rabanera). It marks the third significant intervention in the walled enclosure, following previous works funded by the 1.5% Cultural programme, the Soria Intramuros initiative, and FEDER funds along the banks of the River Duero. A fourth phase is also planned for the Castillo Park.
Antón highlighted the importance of this project in completing the urban and heritage regeneration efforts undertaken in recent years. He stated, “This project finalises the work to integrate the Palacio de Alcántara into the cultural triangle of the city centre, alongside the Banco de España—home to the National Photography Centre—and the Gaya Nuño Cultural Centre. In addition to addressing the necessary expansion of the state museum, we are transforming a degraded area with ruined buildings into a quality public space where citizens and visitors can admire a medieval wall in the heart of Soria.”
Beatriz Carro elaborated on the technical aspects of the project, which is deemed “highly complex” due to its location within the historic centre and its interaction with the wall that supports the upper floors of the Palacio de Alcántara. The restoration will remove 92 linear metres of medieval wall currently suffering from severe damp and visibility issues.
Key features of the project include the creation of a new public passageway resembling a gallery or pedestrian portico that will connect from Plaza del Olivo to the ramp leading to the cellars in the middle of Calle Alberca. This new access will replace an old commercial space and will open up the exterior to the monument’s extradós.
The design will address the steep gradient of Calle Alberca with accessible terraced platforms. Additionally, the project will feature two pedestrian routes: one at street level and another elevated along the wall’s walkway, allowing visitors to traverse the defensive crown and view it from new perspectives. It will also restore the historical alignment and pools, excavating to uncover the original medieval level and integrating water features to commemorate the irrigation system of the former palace gardens that lent their name to the street.
Furthermore, the project will connect with the Calaverón neighbourhood, creating a new green space for community recreation, linking with the area freed up by the demolition of the old reform school. While maintaining vehicle access on Calle Alberca, the project will prioritise pedestrian traffic.
Following the approval of the state funding, the local council will have 90 days to submit the final execution project and obtain authorisation from the Heritage Commission before commencing the bidding process for the works.
