A 150-metre-long underground passage forms part of the Roman aqueduct of Tiermes, carved into the rock. The churches of Montejo de Tiermes also broaden the historical perspective: Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance elements each offer their own cultural and historical focus.

The Archaeological Heritage of Tiermes

Tiermes, in Montejo de Tiermes (Soria), is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the archaeological site category. The protection declaration was published in the official state gazette on 1 October 1999. The Roman remains include the aqueduct carved into the rock and its underground passage. A seating area was also carved into the rock. Whether it served as a theatre, a Celtiberian temple or a gathering place remains uncertain.

The Museo Monográfico de Tiermes displays weapons, bronze jewellery and pottery from the 6th to 3rd centuries BC, as well as Roman remains and medieval artefacts. Information panels, display cases, plinths and models explain the history of Termes, the findings from excavations and the study of the materials discovered. Finds from different periods are thus presented side by side, rather than linking Tiermes solely to its Roman past.

Churches and Architectural History in the Town

The Romanesque Ermita de Santa María de Tiermes lies within the archaeological site and is included in its heritage protection declaration. It was designated a historic-artistic monument by Royal Decree 1748/1982 of 28 May. Paired columns support double capitals decorated with plant and figurative motifs.

Further building phases can be distinguished at the Church of San Cornelio y San Cipriano. Its Renaissance atrium has two arches, built in 1534; four round arches from the earlier Romanesque portico also survive. The tower and the main chapel with its star vault are Gothic, while the rest of the nave dates from the 17th century. These individual elements give the church a different chronology from the Romanesque Ermita.

The watchtower of Montejo de Tiermes stands within the town, attached to a house, and rises more than ten metres above a rocky outcrop. It is thought to have maintained visual contact with the watchtowers of Liceras and the presumed watchtower of Torresuso. A Roman fountain also survives beside Montejo de Tiermes.

Necropolises and Landscape

Near the archaeological site, in the Carratiermes area, is a cremation necropolis with Celtiberian and even pre-Celtiberian burial structures dating from the Bronze Age, before the 4th century BC. Another necropolis is carved into the rock: it lies on a stretch of road between the museum and Valderromán and contains more than 40 tombs dating from the 9th to 11th centuries.

The El Hoyo route offers a different perspective on the municipality. It follows the Río Pedro through a striking canyon with lush vegetation. The El Hoyo area is also home to a significant colony of griffon vultures, stretching along the Río Pedro through the Cuevas de Ayllón area.

Planning Your Stay

The archaeological site of Tiermes is about a ten-minute journey from Montejo de Tiermes; the actual travel time may vary depending on the route and conditions. A visit to Tiermes begins at the portico of the Ermita there and takes about two and a half hours. Check its availability before booking.

For local transport, the Junta de Castilla y León operates an on-demand public transport service that requires reservations. It is available on the Valderromán–San Esteban and Pedro–San Esteban routes on Mondays and Fridays that are working days. Check the current operating days and reservation requirements before travelling. Montejo de Tiermes’s main festivities take place in August in honour of San Cipriano; the exact dates vary according to the annual programme.

Discover more destinations: Fuentetoba, Soria, Buitrago, Langa De Duero, La Rasa, Dombellas, Golmayo, Abejar

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