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Podcast explores Spain's depopulation crisis and its impact on rural Romanesque churches in Soria

cultural-heritage · 2026-06-24

The ninth episode of the podcast 'La memoria en ruinas' examines the effects of demographic decline on historic buildings in Soria, Spain's least densely populated province. Despite its rich architectural heritage, many villages are losing residents, leaving churches and hermitages abandoned. The episode features the collective Románico sin techo, with Andrea Morán and José María Sadia visiting endangered sites such as the church of San Bartolomé in the uninhabited village of La Barbolla. Luis Carlos Pastor, a retired history professor, is also interviewed. The podcast highlights the plight of rural Romanesque architecture as communities vanish.

Key facts

  • Soria is the province with the lowest population density in Spain.
  • The podcast episode is part of the series 'La memoria en ruinas'.
  • The episode features the collective Románico sin techo.
  • Andrea Morán and José María Sadia are members of Románico sin techo.
  • The church of San Bartolomé is located in La Barbolla, Soria.
  • La Barbolla is an uninhabited village.
  • Luis Carlos Pastor is a retired history professor featured in the episode.
  • The episode discusses the impact of depopulation on historic buildings.

Entities

Institutions

  • Románico sin techo

Locations

  • Soria
  • Spain
  • Quintana Redonda
  • La Barbolla

Sources