Oviedo’s origins date to 761 CE, when two monks established a monastery that would become the nucleus of the future city. As the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias during the early stages of the Christian Reconquista, Oviedo developed into a crucial religious and political centre, leaving an extraordinary architectural legacy that continues to define the city. Today, the city remains as one of northern Spain’s most significant cultural and historical centres. Visitors will find plenty of things to do in Oviedo, from exploring its remarkable architectural sites to experiencing Asturian cider culture in a traditional sidrería.
Things to Do in Oviedo
Explore the City’s Historic Sites
Santa María del Naranco
This 9th-century palace-church represents one of the finest examples of pre-Romanesque architecture in Europe. Originally built as a royal residence for King Ramiro I, its innovative architectural style and remarkable state of preservation make it an essential visit.
San Miguel de Lillo
Located near Santa María del Naranco, this church features remarkable carved reliefs and maintains its original structural elements despite partial collapse in the 12th century. The interior decorations provide insight into early medieval artistic techniques.
San Julián de los Prados
This church contains the largest preserved pre-Romanesque fresco paintings in Europe, with exceptional geometric and architectural motifs that reflect classical Roman influence.
Cathedral of San Salvador
The Gothic cathedral, constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries, represents the spiritual heart of Oviedo. Its distinctive spire, the highest in Spain, dominates the city skyline. The Cathedral Museum houses significant religious artefacts, including the Arca Santa, a reliquary of immense historical importance.
Visit Museums and Galleries
Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias
Housing an extensive collection spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias occupies three buildings in the old town, including the Velarde Palace. Its collection of Asturian art provides insight into regional artistic development.
Museo Arqueológico de Asturias
Located in the former Monastery of San Vicente, the Archaeological Museum of Asturias presents the region’s history from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages, featuring significant Roman and pre-Romanesque artefacts.
Discover Asturian Culinary Excellence
Traditional Gastronomy
Oviedo’s culinary scene reflects Asturias’s rich gastronomic heritage. The city’s restaurants specialise in regional dishes including fabada asturiana (bean stew with pork), cachopo (breaded veal fillets with cheese and ham) and fresh seafood from the Cantabrian Sea.
Cider Culture
The city maintains numerous traditional sidrerías (cider houses) where local cider is served in the traditional manner – poured from a height to aerate the drink. This practice, known as escanciar, represents an important aspect of Asturian cultural heritage.
Explore Modern-Day Oviedo
Campo de San Francisco
This central park serves as Oviedo’s green heart, featuring century-old trees, peaceful walkways and various sculptures. The park connects the historic centre with the modern city, providing a popular gathering space for residents and visitors.
Calle Uría
The main commercial artery of Oviedo offers a mix of traditional shops and modern retail establishments, housed in notable 19th and early 20th-century buildings.
Festivals and Events in Oviedo
San Mateo Festival
The San Mateo Festival in Oviedo is an annual celebration which is the cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. It typically runs from mid-September, lasting nearly two weeks, and transforms Oviedo into a lively party zone. The festivities are characterized by a diverse array of activities, including numerous concerts, street performances, children’s events and traditional folk displays.
One of the festival’s highlights is the “Día de América” (America Day) parade, held on September 19th. This event honours the cultural exchange between Asturias and the Americas, celebrating the heritage of Asturian emigrants and their adopted countries. The parade features colouful floats and folk groups from both Asturias and Latin America, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.
The festival also includes a wide range of musical performances. Over a hundred concerts take place across the city, featuring both national and international artists in genres such as pop, rock and folk. These concerts are held in various venues, including the city’s main squares and theatres, ensuring there is something for every musical taste.
In addition to music, the festival offers a variety of cultural and family-friendly activities. The historic center of Oviedo is filled with “chiringuitos” (makeshift bars) and street food stalls, while the Campo San Francisco park is converted into a large playground for children. The festival culminates with fireworks on the main day of celebrations, typically September 21st, which marks the feast day of Saint Matthew.
Princess of Asturias Awards
The Princess of Asturias Awards are prestigious accolades recognising exceptional achievements in various fields. The ceremony typically takes place in the second half of October at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo.
Established in 1981, these awards honour individuals, institutions, or groups who have made significant contributions to science, technology, culture and humanitarian work on an international scale. The awards are presented in eight categories: Arts, Literature, Social Sciences, Communication and Humanities, Technical and Scientific Research, International Cooperation, Concord and Sports.
Each recipient receives a Joan Miró sculpture, a diploma, an insignia and a cash prize of €50,000, which is shared if multiple laureates are honoured in a category. The ceremony is presided over by the Spanish Royal Family, with Princess Leonor, the Princess of Asturias, presenting the awards.
UNESCO declared these awards as having an “exceptional contribution to the cultural heritage of Humanity” in 2004. The Princess of Asturias Awards have become one of the most important cultural events on the international agenda, attracting candidates from five continents and celebrating global excellence in various fields.
Oviedo Tourist Information
Getting There: Asturias Airport, located 47km from Oviedo, connects the city with major Spanish destinations and several European cities. Regular bus services and rail connections link Oviedo with Madrid and other regional centres.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer provides warm weather suitable for exploring outdoor attractions, while winter visitors can combine city exploration with skiing in the nearby mountains.
Transportation: The city centre is walkable, with many attractions within easy reach. A local bus network provides access to outlying areas, including the pre-Romanesque monuments.
Where to Stay in Oviedo
Hotel de la Reconquista: This 18th-century building, now a five-star hotel, represents the height of classical luxury in Oviedo. Its baroque courtyard and historic salons host significant cultural and social events.
Gran Hotel España: Located in the historic centre, this four-star property combines modern amenities with traditional elegance, offering excellent access to major attractions.
Hotel City House: This converted palace provides intimate accommodation with period features, situated perfectly for exploring the old town.
Where to Dine in Oviedo
Casa Fermín: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers contemporary interpretations of Asturian cuisine, with emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients.
Gloria: Known for innovative cuisine that respects traditional flavours, this establishment represents the evolution of Asturian gastronomy.
Casa Ramón: Specialising in traditional Asturian dishes, this historic restaurant maintains authentic recipes and preparation methods.
La Máquina de Lugones: Located 10km north-east of Oviedo, in Lugones, this historic restaurant is famous throughout Asturias for its outstanding regional classics and extensive selection of local ciders.
Oviedo offers visitors an exceptional combination of historical significance, architectural beauty and gastronomic excellence. Its evolution from medieval capital to modern cultural centre has created a destination that rewards thorough exploration. Whether interested in pre-Romanesque architecture, traditional cuisine or contemporary culture, visitors to Oviedo will discover a sophisticated city that maintains its authentic character whilst embracing modern amenities.
FAQs About Oviedo:
What is the best way to reach Oviedo from Asturias Airport?
A regular airport bus service (ALSA) operates between the airport and Oviedo city centre, taking approximately 45 minutes. Private transfers cost around €50-60. Taxis are readily available but expect to pay €50-65 for the journey.
Do I need a car to explore the region?
Whilst Oviedo’s centre is walkable, a car is useful for visiting the pre-Romanesque churches and exploring wider Asturias. Public transport connects major attractions, but remote areas and mountain villages are best accessed by car.
What should I expect from Asturian weather?
Oviedo experiences mild temperatures year-round but frequent rainfall (hence the region’s greenery). Summer temperatures rarely exceed 25°C, whilst winter temperatures typically range from 5-15°C. Always carry rain gear, regardless of season.
When is the best time to visit?
September offers ideal conditions, coinciding with the San Mateo Festival. Spring (April-May) provides pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. July and August are warmest but can be busy with domestic tourists.
How do I properly drink Asturian cider?
Traditional cider pouring (escanciado) involves holding the bottle high above your head and the glass at waist level. In sidrerías, servers typically pour for you. Cider is meant to be consumed immediately after pouring, in one quick drink.
What are typical meal times?
Lunch is typically served from 13:30 to 16:00, dinner from 20:30 to 23:00. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service. Traditional sidrerías often operate continuous service.
Is English widely spoken?
English proficiency varies. Tourist sites and major hotels generally offer English-speaking staff, but knowledge of basic Spanish phrases is useful, particularly in traditional restaurants and shops.
Where can I store luggage?
The main bus station and ALSA bus company offer luggage storage. Some hotels will store bags after check-out. The train station has limited storage facilities.
How do I visit the pre-Romanesque churches?
Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo require advance booking through the tourist office. Combined tickets are available. Visit early morning for best lighting and fewer crowds.
Are museums closed on certain days?
Most museums close on Mondays. The Fine Arts Museum and Archaeological Museum offer free entry on specific days – typically Sundays. Check current schedules as times vary seasonally.
What are typical shopping hours?
Most shops open 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00 Monday to Saturday. Many close for siesta. Shopping centres maintain continuous hours. Sunday trading is limited except during festivals.
Where can I find regional products?
The Fontán market and surrounding streets offer traditional food products. For Asturian crafts, shops around the cathedral specialise in regional items. Quality cider and cheese shops cluster in the old town.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments. However, some traditional sidrerías and small shops prefer cash. ATMs are readily available throughout the city centre.
What is the normal tipping practice?
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. Five to ten percent is standard in restaurants for good service. Many cafes have tip jars at the counter.
Do I need to book ahead for the San Mateo Festival?
Hotel accommodation should be booked months in advance for the September festival period. Many events are free, but ticketed performances sell quickly.
When are the Princess of Asturias Awards held?
The awards ceremony typically occurs in October. Whilst the ceremony is invitation-only, related cultural events are open to the public. Book accommodation well in advance during this period.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Oviedo’s tap water is safe and of high quality. Many locals prefer it to bottled water due to its origin in mountain springs.
Where can I find medical assistance?
The Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias provides 24-hour emergency care. Several pharmacies in the city centre operate on a rotating 24-hour schedule.