Asturias - Do & See
Cathedral De San Salvador
Oviedo’s Cathedral combines Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance elements. Its 15th-century spire looms over a medieval basilica built by the first prince of Asturias, Fruela I and the cathedral as a whole was finally completed in the 16th century, after more than 250 years of construction work. The main altarpiece, depicting the life of Christ, is in Flemish Gothic style. The cloister is home to the Diocesan Museum, with a number of important archaeological relics.
Church Of San Miguel De Lillo
This is one of Oviedo’s oldest buildings, founded in 848 AD and only part of the original medieval building has survived. Nevertheless, San Miguel de Lillo is regarded as an important part of the region’s Christian heritage and has been granted World Heritage status. The oldest parts of the building include the portico, choir entrance and part of the three naves.
Church Of San Julian De Los Prados
When it was built during the 9th century this was the largest church in Spain and although now dwarfed by later and greater buildings, it remains of great significance in the history of Spanish religious architecture. It is worth visiting – especially for its magnificent array of gorgeously coloured murals.
Teatro Campoamor
This magnificent 19th-century building is regarded as emblematic of the city, it is also the venue for the annual Prince of Asturias prize ceremony and for the city’s annual opera season and Zarzuela music festival. Opened in 1892, the theatre’s elegant interior was influenced by the Teatro de la Comedia in Madrid and is opulently decorated in scarlet, gold and red. On the first floor is a statue of Ramón de Campoamor, the Asturian poet after whom the theatre is named after.
Covadonga y los Picos de Europa
Covadonga is the gateway to the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa, the largest national park in western Europe. The village’s main landmark is the 19th-century mock-Romanesque cathedral, outside which stands a statue of Pelayo, the Visigoth prince who defeated an army of Moors here in 722 AD.
