General information

As the capital of the Principality of Asturias, Oviedo is also the name of the municipality where the city lies. It is the administrative capital of the region, and has a well known International Campus at its University. It is where the St James pilgrimage route crosses with the Route of the Silver and is a town of great monumental patrimony and important museums. It is a clean, modern and well kept city, preserving the real Asturian charm and tradition.

Oviedo was founded in 761 by Monks. The church dedicated to St Vincent was one of the first constructions built in the city. Further construction was ordered by King Fruela I, the fourth Asturian Monarch, but the establishment of the capital was due to Alfonso II The Chaste (791-842) who also started the Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela, oversaw the works of the Cathedral and a royal palace. Architecture flourished in this period and now shows several influences, most significantly, Visigothic, Roman and Nordic. Ramiro I of Asturias was resposible for promoting several construction works in the city.

Between the 12th and 16th centuries, the medieval city developed hugely as well as the city walls, which are still preserved to this day. There was fire in 1521 which devestated much of the city, and the aqueduct was built in the 16th century providing the city with better water. The 17th century was the opening of the Arts Collede (University of Oviedo) which encouraged urban expansion in Oviedo. Beautiful palaces were constructed in the 18th century by the city’s nobility, the 19th century was taken over by industrial growth and the 20th century was important for administrative and commercial development. During the Spanish civil war, Oviedo was famous for the Siege of Oviedo in 1936, when there was a 3 month siege by Republican forces.

What are you looking for in Oviedo?

• Monumentos de Oviedo
• Restaurantes de Oviedo
• Hoteles de Oviedo
• Casas Rurales de Oviedo