Culture of Oviedo. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The city of Oviedo has survived through many significant historical events in a course of long history. Each epoch has greatly impacted the history of the city and is by now reflected in numerous landmarks. Scenic small historical center of the city is one of the most interesting areas for tour enthusiasts, however the suburbs of Oviedo as well have many significant spots of tourist interest to visit and explore. The main symbol of the city is the Cathedral. The building of the Cathedral stuns the city visitors with its gracefulness and originality of forms.

In the course of its long history the cathedral has been many times reconstructed and reequipped. Only the bell tower of the cathedral built in 15th century has survived in its initial look till nowadays. The bell tower is considered to be a genuine example of gothic style in architecture of Oviedo. The inner premises of the Cathedral are worth exploration as its halls keep unique religious artifacts of different epochs. The territory of the Cathedral keeps the Camara Santa being a treasury as well. The treasure house was established in the 9th century in ancient chapel.

This unique museum keeps a great collection of religious artifacts among which the Triumph Cross and the Cross of the Angles are the most remarkable relics. Gem incrusted crosses and other religious attributes, ancient icons and church embellishments made of ivory are the main treasures of the museum. A large square is set close to the Cathedral. The square has been an established place for holding scale events, fairs and festivals for many years. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

This square is a perfect place for hiking and exploring aged buildings. Some souvenir shops are scattered around the square. The Archaeological Museum is worth of tourist attention and visit. The museum is located in the Saint Vincent Church. An exposition of the Archaeological Museum includes inestimable findings of Roman Empire epoch which were discovered by scientists on the territory of the city. Among the showpieces of the museum exposition one will find graceful steles and ingenious mosaic items, household items of local folks and ceremonial artifacts.

Pictorial art admirers will love a collection of the Museum of Fine Arts. The city has preserved more than a dozen of majestic palaces. Ancient buildings exploration will add to the leisure of tourists spending vacations in Oviedo. Several samples of architecture are located in close vicinity to the Alfonso II Square among which the brightest and most remarkable one is considered to be the Palacio de Rua. The Porlier Square locates two majestic palaces at once being the Campo Sagrado and the Toreno palaces. A building of university established in 17th century is as well located on the square.

Connoisseurs of theatrical art or those wishing to listen to classical music will not be bored either - in the capital of Asturias, they can find the Teatro Campoamor and the Teatro Filarmonica. They are also interesting from a historical point of view. Thus, the Teatro Campoamor was erected in 1892, and the Princess of Asturias Awards have been awarded here since 1981. The building was reconstructed several times, and after the Spanish Civil War, a facade was the only thing left from it, so a complete restoration was needed - which happened in 1948. The Teatro Filarmonica was opened in 1944 and renovated in 2004. Its hall is small, therefore it cannot host concerts with large orchestras. Fans of contemporary art will be happy to visit the art gallery Sala de Exposiciones Sabadell Herrero.

Among Oviedo's must-visit museums is the Museo Arqueológico de Asturias located on the grounds of the Benedictine monastery San Vicente de Oviedo. A rich collection of objects from different eras (Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, megaliths, Roman period, Middle Ages) makes the cultural institution one of the most popular among tourists enthusiastic about the region's history. Those interested in Asturian life over the course of centuries are welcome to the Centro De Interpretacion Del Horreo, another must-have destination on a sightseeing tour of Oviedo. Here you can find out about the traditional way of life of the local residents' ancestors and their traditional craft.

The capital of Asturias boasts of many interesting churches, which, besides the already mentioned Catedral de Oviedo, include Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco. Formerly, this outstanding shrine was a palace of the same name, which was built by decree of Ramiro I of Asturias. Its construction was completed in 842 in the pre-Romanesque style. The building was converted into a church in the 12th century due to the destruction of a church of that period - Iglesia de San Miguel de Lillo. It would be of great interest to movie buffs - for example, several scenes from Woody Allen's “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” were shot here. Nearby is another cultural institution named the Centro de Recepción e Interpretación del Prerrománico Asturiano where one can learn more about different periods in the history of Asturias.

The already mentioned Iglesia de San Miguel de Lillo is currently the ruins with the preserved western part of the church. The temple was built in the same pre-Romanesque style in the same year 842. San Julian de los Prados is another vivid example of the pre-Romanesque style that would be of interest to travelers. Built at the beginning of the 9th century by decree of Alfonso II of Asturias, the building is striking with its architecture, interior with beautiful frescoes, and sculptural decoration. No less wonderful is a garden surrounding the temple.

Another interesting church in Oviedo is La Iglesia de San Juan el Real erected in 1915 on the site of an older Romanesque church. The shrine is striking with its majesty, which it owes to the architect Luis Bellido who worked on the building's project. Don't miss your chance to go inside and appreciate the church interior, especially Gothic stained glass windows and a richly decorated altar. It is also notable for the fact that it was here that the future dictator Francisco Franco was married to Carmen Polo in 1923. Their only daughter, Maria Del Carmen, was baptized here too. Another shrine worthy of mention is Parroquia de San Isidoro El Real that was built 1681 on the site of an old destroyed church. Several architects worked on its project, including Francisco Menendez Camino.

Not far from Parroquia de San Isidoro El Real is the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Oviedo), which shouldn't be ignored either. This is one of the finest examples of Asturian architecture with its gallery, balcony, and clock towers - all this gives the building an impressive look. Another structure in the capital of Asturias valuable from a historical point of view is Fuente de Foncalada. The fountain supplied the city with drinking water from the end of the 9th century when it was erected by the decree of Alfonso III. This is the only surviving structure of this kind - and this is what makes the fountain remarkable. The fountain was restored in the 1990s of the last century.

One cannot ignore the fortress Castillo de Priorio (sometimes referred to as Castillo de Las Caldas) covered by lush vegetation. The castle was built in the 19th century out of the ruins of an older one erected back in the days of Alfonso II. The fortress is connected with a beautiful story of unhappy love, which will be interesting to hear from locals or guides. The fact that the fortress is hidden by trees and the Nalon River adds even more romance - that's why many tourists traveling with their soulmates consider this place to be a must-have. The building is also noteworthy for a 19th-century mill that has been preserved on its grounds.