This northern Spanish city, capital of Asturias, has Roman origins dating to 73 AD. It's a starting point for the Spanish Way pilgrimage and sits amid the Asturian mountains.
Oviedo, the capital of Spain's Asturias region, blends medieval history with modern life. Walk through the old town's cobblestone streets to see the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador. Visit unique pre-Romanesque churches like Santa MarÃa del Naranco on the surrounding hills. Taste hearty Asturian dishes such as fabada and locally-produced cider. Explore world-class institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias. Use Oviedo as a starting point to discover the mountains and coast of northern Spain.
Exploring Oviedo's Old Town
Wander through Oviedo's historic center on narrow cobblestone streets. At its core stands the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador, which dates back to the 14th century. Step inside to see the Cámara Santa, a 9th-century chapel containing religious relics. As you explore the old town, stop by Plaza del Fontán, where you'll see a 19th-century covered market. Try some local sweets while you're there - carbayones, almond pastries typical of Oviedo, are particularly delicious.
Pre-Romanesque Architecture
On Monte Naranco, just outside the city, you can visit two 9th-century churches: Santa MarÃa del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. These UNESCO World Heritage sites represent a distinctive architectural style that came before the Romanesque period. Look closely at the intricate stone carvings and innovative structural elements that were advanced for their time.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias to see an extensive collection of Spanish art, including works by Goya and El Greco. For those interested in history, the Archaeological Museum of Asturias, housed in a former monastery, presents the region's past from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Learn about Asturian culture at the Museum of the Asturian People, which focuses on traditional crafts, customs, and rural life.
Asturian Cuisine and Cider Culture
Try Asturian cuisine in Oviedo. Order fabada, a hearty bean stew with pork, or cachopo, a breaded veal cutlet stuffed with ham and cheese. The region produces over 40 varieties of cheese. Experience Oviedo's cider culture on Calle Gascona, nicknamed "Cider Boulevard." Watch the traditional pouring technique called "escanciar," where cider is poured from a height to aerate it.
Green Spaces and Parks
Oviedo has many green areas despite its urban setting. Relax in the Campo de San Francisco, a large park in the city center. It's ideal for a leisurely walk or a picnic. Look for peacocks and other birds, as well as several monuments and fountains. For a more extensive nature experience, hike on Monte Naranco, which provides views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Day Trips from Oviedo
Use Oviedo as a base to explore the Asturias region. Take a day trip to the coastal city of Gijón to see its beaches and learn about its maritime history. Visit the Picos de Europa National Park, about an hour's drive away, for mountain scenery and hiking trails. The fishing village of Cudillero, with its colorful houses leading down to the sea, is also within easy reach.
Getting There and Around
Fly into Asturias Airport, about 40 km from Oviedo, which connects to major Spanish cities and some European destinations. From the airport, take a bus or taxi to the city center. Oviedo also has rail connections to other parts of Spain. In the city, you can walk to many attractions, but there's also an efficient bus system for longer journeys.
