Oviedo

Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias

In the 9th century the flame of Christianity was kept alive in the Iberian peninsula in the tiny Kingdom of the Asturias. Here an innovative pre-Romanesque architectural style was created that was to play a significant role in the development of the religious architecture of the peninsula.

• Santa María del Naranco is located three kilometres outside the city of Oviedo. It was originally built as a palace for King Ramiro I in 848, but was later converted into a church. Today, it’s a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site
• San Miguel de Lillo is located on Mount Naranco, close to the old Palace of Naranco, just outside the city of Oviedo. It was built by King Ramiro I in the 9th century as his private chapel, and is Romanesque in style. Today, however, only part of the building remains, including the choir stalls and the three naves.
• San Julián de los Prados can be found in the city of Oviedo and is one of the monuments in the region that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also known as Santullano, it was the largest Christian building in Spain until the 11th century. Built between 812 and 842, it’s pre-Romanesque in style and is made from wood and stone. Look out in particular for the beautiful colourful murals on the walls inside.
• Santa Cristina de Lena lies just south of Oviedo and is part of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage status. It is an interesting example of Romanesque and Ramiro styles and was built around 850. As well as the church, visitors can see the Educational Hall, located in the old railway station nearby, which dates back to the pre-Romanesque period. Inside, visitors can learn all about the historic and artistic context in which the church was built.
• Cámara Santa is part of the gothic Oviedo Cathedral, lies along the Camino del Norte and is a major stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Built in the late 13th century, it comprises a tower, cloisters and chapterhouse. It’s pre-Romanesque in style and was built in the 9th century, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Associated with them is the remarkable contemporary hydraulic engineering structure known as La Foncalada.T he Fountain of Foncalada is one of the best examples of hydraulic engineering from the late Middle Ages and is part of Oviedo and Asturias’ UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s based on a Roman model and was built during the reign of Alfonso III the Great (866–910). The outer housing protects a natural drinking fountain, which is fed by spring water brought up from underground.

Visiting the Old Town of Oviedo. The Old Town (Casco antiguo) of Oviedo has some of the most important monuments of the city

• Starting at Alfonso II Square (Plaza de Alfonso II el Casto) you will discover in front of you the Cathedral
• behind the cathedral is placed The medieval wall of the city (built in the 12th century), in where is also located the Archaeological Museum.
• On the left of the Cathedral and the Medieval Wall it are located Feijoó Square and San Pelayo Monastery, founded by The King Alfonso II (791-842) and currently inhabited by the Benedictine Order.
• ontinuing with the route through the Old Town of Oviedo, we can visit at Eusebio Gonzalez Abascal Street these four palaces: La Rua Palace, Conde de Toreno Palace, Valdecarnaza Palace and Camposagrado Palace at Porlier Square.
• Then, at Ramón y Cajal Street you will see the headquarters of the University of Oviedo.
• Constitución Square (Plaza de la constitución), are located the Town Hall, San Isidoro Church and near it, El Fontán market, close to Fierro Street
• ther important places to visit in Oviedo Old Town are the following ones: Casa de Bernardo de Quirós (at Riego Square), Palacio del marqués San Feliz (at Daoiz y Velarde Square, behind El Fontán). You also can visit Campoamor Theater at Escandalera Square (Plaza de la Escandalera) at 5 minutes on foot from the Town Hall.

   Click thumbnail for a larger photo

Spain UNESCO World Heritage