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The city of Oviedo
dates back to the 8th
century. It was founded
thanks to the Fromestano
Monastery which was
built upon a hill called
Ovetao, later a town
followed and in the
18th century it became
the capital of the Region
of Asturias.
Both the Camino de Santiago,
which passes through
Oviedo, and the university
have helped to keep
Oviedo on the tourist
map. The city has become
more and more popular
with visitors in recent
years thanks to the
increasing popularity
of Asturias among Spaniards
as a rural tourism destination.
As a result, the standard
of variety of services
and lodging possibilities
has shown a marked improvement
(see hotels
in Asturias
for reviews of Oviedo's
best hotels)
Monuments in Oviedo:
Los Pilares Aquaduct
(c/ Roberto S. Velázquez-Los
Pilares ): This was
built in the 16th century
in order to provide
the city with water
and was used until 1875.
Originally it contained
41 arches of which only
5 now remain. It was
built by Juan de Cerecedo
and by Gónzalo
de la Bárcena.
The City Wall (mainly
in c/ Paraíso):
This has medieval origins.
When it was built around
the city it measured
1400 metres. Now only
bits of it remain dotted
around the city. It
is now a Historic-Artistic
monument.
La Foncalada Fountain:
This was built in the
middle ages by the Asturian
king Alfonso III el
Magno who reigned between
866-910. It was built
for public use and to
protect a natural spring.
The Town Hall
(Plaza del Ayuntamiento,
Tel: 985 98 18 00):
It is located near the
city wall, Baroque,
built by the architect
Juan de Naveda. it was
renovated in 1939. The
marble lion on its front
door is the symbol for
the city. It used to
be located in the Plaza
Mayor. It symbolizes
the custodion of democratic
values.
La Reconquista Hotel
( c/ Gil de Jaz,
16): This is in a former
18th century Baroque
palace which was used
as a hospital. It was
built under the orders
of king Fernando VI
by the architect Pedro
Antonio Menéndez.
It is an incredibly
beautiful building.
This is where all celegbrities
stay as well as the
Spanish Royal family
when the annual ceremony
where the Príncipe
de Asturias prizes are
awarded by the crown
prince. The 'Patio de
la Reina' is especially
interesting, it was
named after Queen Isabel
II to commemorate her
visit.
The Market and Plaza
del Fontán (the
Fontan square): This
is a beautiful square
surrounded by arches
in the old part of the
city. It was built in
1792 by the architect
Francisco Pruneda and
Cañal as a market
square. At present it
is a meeting point in
the city. Although on
Thursdays, Saturdays
and Sundays an interesting
market is still held
here.
The Campoamor Theatre
(c/ Pelayo): This is
a Neoclassic theatre
built between 1883 and
1892 by Juan Miguel
de la Guardia, in accordance
with plans designed
by José López
Salaberry and Sirgo
Borrajo Montenegro.
It was built by public
subscription by the
bourgeoisie who felt
the need to have a larger
theatre to meet their
high demands. In its
day it was built to
include all the latest
technology and luxuries
from that period. When
it was opened in 1892
it became the central
point of the city and
is now the setting for
the annual Príncipe
de Asturias Arts and
Science award ceremony.
It is in perfect condition
following several renovations
over the years.
San Salvador Cathedral
(Plaza Alfonso II,
Tel: 985 22 10 33 ):
The Cathedral incorporated
both Gothic and Baroque
styles. It was built
in the 9th century upon
the remains of the San
Salvador pre Romanesque
church dating back to
761 which had been destroyed
by the Arabs. King Alfonso
II ordered it to be
rebuilt and dedicated
it to the same saint
and the 12 apostles.
It is a very interesting
building and possess
many interesting features
like: la Camara Santa
(the Saint chamber which
is now a museum), the
Angels' cross, the old
tower, the church museum,
the pilgrims' cemetery,
the Capitular room and
the cloisters. It has
been perfectly restored
because for centuries
no restoration work
was permitted.
Churches in Oviedo:
- Iglesia de San
Isidoro el Real
(Plaza de la Constitución):
This is located opposite
the Town Hall. It
is Classicist with
Baroque elements.
It was built between
1616 and 1681 by the
architect Francisco
Menéndez Camina.
The facade is quite
sober although in
contrast to its severe
exterior the interior
is decorated luxuriously.
In 2004 three 18th
century carvings were
restored and put on
display, one of which
is of San Isidoro,
the patron saint of
the city. It is a
Historic-Artistic
monument.
- Santo Domingo
Convent (Plaza
Santo Domingo): This
is located in the
Champillín
gardens. It was founded
in 1518 by the Jesuites.
It is now used as
a college by the Dominicans.
It has an interesting
church which became
a national monument
in 1944. It was built
by Juan de Cerecedo
"El Viejo".
It is a mixture of
Baroque, Plateresque,
Gothic and Neoclassic
styles. The alterpiece,
Nuestra Señora
del Rosario chapel
and the Baroque altarpiece
of the Nazareno chapel
are interesting. It
has a Neoclassic entrance
with very beautiful
Plateresque details.
- Nuestra Señora
del Rey Casto Chapel:
Built in the 18th
century upon the remains
of the 9th century
pre Roman basilica
of Santa Maria. It
is the pantheon of
the Asturian Kings.
In 1705 a bishop called
Tomás Reluz
was responisble for
the construction of
this chapel which
was built by the architect
Bernardo de Haces.
The pantheon is right
at the entrance of
the chapel and is
separated from the
rest of the building
by a grill on which
the names of the kings
buried there are engraved.
- Iglesia de San
Juan El Real (you
can enter it through
3 streets Campoamor,
Doctor Casal and Melquíades
Álvarez): It
was built upon the
remains of a previous
church which was destroyed.
Built between 1921
and 1915 in a Romanesque
style. The outside
of the building is
notable for its polychrome
and pretty shapes
(2 square bell towers
and a neo Romanesque
entrance). The modern
stained glass windows
and the frescos on
its dome are interesting...
- San Pelayo Monastery
(c/ San Vicente, 5)
: This belongs to
the Benedictine order
called las pelayas.
Built in the 10th
century by King Sancho
el Gordo de León's
widow who ordered
the remains of San
Pelayo to be moved
there. This is a pre
Romanesque monastery.
It is located next
to Santa María
la Real de la Corte
church. The church
belonging to the monastery
was completed in 1601
by Bernardo de la
Cajiga and Diego de
Villa. It has a Herreriano
facade. The Asturian
Baroque facade of
the vicarage next
to the monastery is
also worth a look.
- Iglesia de San
Julián de los
Prados (Bº
de Santullano): Built
between 812 and 842
under the orders of
King Alfonso II el
Casto. It is the largest
pre Romanesque temple
in Spain and is World
Heritage Site. It
is also a national
monument.
- Iglesia de San
Tirso (Plaza Alfonso
II): 9th century.
Although it was originally
built in a pre Romanesque
style, following numerous
renovations over the
centuries only one
window in this style
remains.
Palaces and Castles
in Oviedo:
- La Rúa
Palace: (Plaza
Alfonso II El Casto,
the Old Part): Late
Gothic, built at the
end of the 15th century
by Alonso González
de la Rúa.
A sober palace with
a military air to
it. The facade and
the main entrance
are interesting.
- Los Marqueses
de Camposagrado Palace
(Plaza de Porlier,
casco antiguo): Baroque,
built in 1710 by the
architect Francisco
de la Riba Ladrón
de Guevara under the
orders of José
Bernardo de Quirós,
III Marquis of Campo
Sagrado. It is a square
palace with 4 floors
and a central patio.
The most striking
feature is its Rococo
facade on the Plaza
de Porlier, the other
facade is more discreet
and is found on c/San
Juan. It became a
Historic- Artistic
monument in 1943 and
is now used as the
High Court for Asturias.
- Regional Palace
(C\Fruela 17):
Neo French. This palace
was built by the government
in 1910 to be the
headquarters of the
Provincial government.
It was built upon
the remains of the
San Francisco Convent
by the architect Nicolás
García Rivero.
Its most striking
features are inside
the building: its
staircase, the furniture,
pretty decorative
details and the room
where the regional
parliament holds sessions.
It is now used as
the headquarters of
the Asturian regional
government.
- Los Duques del
Parque Palace
(the Old Part): The
7th Marquis of Vallecerrato,
decided to built this
palace which was designed
by the architect Francisco
de la Riba Ladrón
de Guevara. Baroque.
It has an interesting
fountain situated
on its left wall known
as Cañu de
Fontán, which
was built in 1657
and restored in 1989.
- Toreno or Mallena
Palace (Plaza
de Porlier, the Old
Part): This is Baroque.
The politician and
historian José
María Queipo
de Llano, VII, count
of Torenoes, was born
here. The count of
Toreno ordered this
palace to be built
in 1673 by the architect
Gregorio de la Roza.
Its original asymmetrical
facade, its interior
patio with Tuscan
style columns and
its main entrance
also framed by columns
are all of particular
interest. It is a
Historic-Artistic
monument and is currently
used as the headquarters
of the Royal Institute
of Education for Asturia
(RIDEA) and belongs
to the regional government.
- Valdecarzana-Heredia
Palace (Plaza
de Alfonso II El Casto,
the Old Part): Baroque,
it was built in the
17th century by the
Marquis of Valdecazarna.
Later in the 18th
century it was inhabited
by Antonio Heredia
Velarde, mayor of
the city who ordered
the architect Manuel
Reguera to build the
facade. It was used
as a casino during
the 19th century until
the first republic
was declared. Now
it is used by the
regional government.
- Santa María
del Naranco Palace:
This is located on
a hill on the outskirts
of Oviedo. It is pre
Romanesque and was
built by King Ramiro
I, for his personal
use between 842-850.
Museums in Oviedo:
- Santa de la Capilla
Palatina Chamber:
A world heritage site,
it is situated within
Oviedo cathedral.
It was built in the
9th century under
the orders of King
Alfonso II. The treasures
and sacred relics
belonging to the cathedral
are kept here. It
is a world heritage
site.
- The Asturias
Archeological Museum:
(C/ San Vicente, 3,
Tel: 985 21 54 05):
Located behind the
cathedral, it is situated
in the former San
Vicente monastery.
The museum was built
in the 20th century.
It houses archeological
finds as well as ethnography
found in Asturias
since the palaeolithic
period. It is especially
interesting for its
pre Romanesque artefacts.
- The Historical
Archives of Asturias:
(C/ Del Aguila): The
City's Historical
Museum;
The Bellas Artes Museum:
(C/ La Rúa,
8 and Santa Ana, 3,
Tel: 985 21 30 61):
Since 1980 it has
been housed in the
former Velarde palace,
which was built in
1767 by Manuel Reguera.
Baroque
- The Tabularium
Artis Avulienses Museum:
(Cardenal Inguanzo,
6, Tel: 985 21 36
44): Created and sponsored
by Joaquín
Manzanares Rodríguez-Mier,
mostly consists of
Asturian pre Romanesque
and archeological
artefacts.
Restaurants in Oviedo:
Restaurante El Raitán
(Plaza de Trascorrales,
6, Tel: 98 521 42 18):
typical Asturian dishes;
Restaurante Botas
(Pl. del Ayuntamiento,
11, Tel: 98 521 56 90:
Restaurante Casa
Fermín (c/
San Francisco, 8, Tel:
98 521 64 52): both
modern and traditonal
dishes; Restaurante
La Corrada del Obispo
(c/ Canóniga,
18, Tel: 98 522 00 48):
traditional Asturian
cuisine; Resaurante
La Puerta de Nueva
(Leopoldo Alas, 2, Tel:
98 522 52 27): traditonal
Asturian cuisine; Restaurante
Auditorio (3ª
planta del Auditorio,
Pl. La Gesta, Tel: 98
527 50 80): traditonal
cuisine; Restaurante
Sidrería Latores
(c/ Latores, Tel:
98 527 57 99): classic
Asturian dishes set
in a house with gardens;
Restaurante Casa
Amparo (Arco de
los Zapatos en Fontán,
Tel: 98 522 70 60):
classic cuisine.
The Area around
Oviedo:
Oviedo is located in
the centre of Asturias
in an area full of valleys
and mountains. It is
an ideal place for adventure
and mountain sports
such as hiking, rafting,
bungee jumping, canoeing,
skiing (you can also
go on skiing courses
here), cycling, horse
riding and treking...The
areas around Oviedo
are: Quirós,
Belmonte de Miranda,
LLanera, Grado, Nava,
Cabranes, Noreña,
Proaza, Somiedo, Las
Regueras, Tameza, Tevergal,
Riosa, Ribera de Arriba,
Sariego, Santo Adriano,
Salas and Siero.
- Somiedo:
The Somiedo Natural
Park. Horse riding.
- Grado: Pico
de Caldoveiro protected
natural area. Founded
by Alfonso X el Sabio
in 1256. There are
remains of the medieval
city wall.
- Miranda-Caldecarzana
Palace: 16th century,
it was restored in
the 17th and 18th
centuries. Now the
Casa de Cultura
(culture house)
is based here.
- Los Dolores
Chapel: This
is the most emblematic
building in the city.
It was built under
the orders of the
3rd marquis of Valdecarzana
between 1713-1716.
The family crypt was
desecrated in the
civil war. It is a
Baroque chapel built
by the architect Francisco
de la Riva Ladrón
de Guevara.
- Fernández
Miranda House:
Neoclassic and Baroque
- 18th century.
- Proaza: Pico
de Caldoveiro, a protected
natural area, ideal
for hiking.
- Iglesia de Sta
Mª de Bandujo:
Romanesque
- Casa del Oso:
This is a museum about
the building of the
railway and the Senda
del Oso (the bear
route).
- Tameza: Pico
de Caldoveiro, a protected
natural area
- Tevergal:
Pico de Caldoveiro,
a protected natural
area.
- Quirós:
Sierra de Aramo and
Peña Ubiña
protected natural
areas.
- Morcín:
Sierra de Aramo protected
natural area. Paleolithic
origins.
- Prehistoricos
artefacts: Iron
Age tools have been
discovered in Castiellu
and Peñerúes.
- Peñerrudes
Tower: This is
a 12th century defensive
medieval tower which
is a historic monument.
- San Miguel
Chapel: King
Alfonso II kept the
the Arca Santa
here which contained
relics from Jerusalem
to protect against
the infidels. From
then on the chapel
was called the Cámara
Santa (saints chamber).
- Molín
Cave: Cave
paintings. It has
been declared as cultural
tourist attracton.
- Ermitas de Arriba
These chapels are
dedicated to Santa
Catalina, Santiago,
Santa María
Magdalena de Monsacro.
They became national
historic monuments
in 1992.
- Iglesia de Santa
Eulalia: 9th century
Pre-Romanesque
- Riosa: Sierra
de Aramo, a protected
natural area.
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