Duruelo De La Sierra
The Picos de Urbión mountains, in the centre of the Cordillera Ibérica, surround the source of the river Duero. 2,000 metres above sea level at Fuente del Duero, the river Duero begins its noisy, rushing course through the town of Duruelo. The first 26km of the river alone fall over 800m. This border river, so often the inspiration for many poets, has the largest basin in the Iberian Peninsula. It passes through almost 100 villages in 5 provinces and flows 897 km from its source to its mouth in Portugal.
First stop
Welcomed by a bridge at the entrance, the river Duero passes through the first village in Soria, Duruelo de la Sierra. Located in the area known as
Pinares, this village borders the province of Burgos. The river Duero provides the wonderful array of vegetation in the area. A good example is Castroviejo, the ideal spot for picnickers and nature lovers who can take in the amazing view of the entire Sierra from the viewpoint. Stone constructions are a popular feature of this village's architecture and large houses decorated with coats-of-arms hearken back to the village's past prosperity. Although the village once contained 5 chapels, today the only one surviving is the Ermita de Santa Marina. The parish church, dedicated to San Miguel Arcángel, dates from the 13th and 14th centuries and has a Medieval cemetery.
Ecological bio-diversity is another important feature of this river. The rich vegetation in Duruelo de la Sierra combines Scots pine with copses of maritime pine and oak trees further down the mountains. Ferns, blackberry bushes and broom paint the area's landscape with their beautiful colours. The Laguna Negra is one of the area's main draws, providing the chance to view the nearby Sierra de Neila, Sierra Demanda and the Sierra Cebollera.
Covaleda
The river now continues towards Covaleda, a picturesque little village located next to the river on a slight promontory with the Sierra in the background. Before continuing on its course to Salduero, the river flows under an interesting Medieval bridge. Of note in this village is the 16th century Iglesia de San Quirico, the 17th century Iglesia de Santa Julia and the Ermita de la Virgen del Campo. Visitors should not miss out on the chance to visit beauty spots as the Mina del Médico, Boca del Prao and the Machorra, as they will not be disappointed with the outstanding panoramic views.
