About
Oviedo is the capital of Asturias, a region in northern Spain on the Bay of Biscay. It is a city of modest size and easy walking, and it makes a good base for exploring the green, mountainous landscape of Asturias.
Why visit
Oviedo is known as the starting point of the Reconquista, the long process through which the Christian kingdoms of northern Spain regained territory from the Muslim rulers of the peninsula. That history gives the city a particular weight, and it is still visible in its monuments.
The city is home to a group of pre-Romanesque monuments that are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors interested in early medieval architecture will find them the main reason to plan a trip here.
What to see
- The pre-Romanesque monuments, which form the core of the city's UNESCO listing.
- The old town, where narrow streets and older buildings make for pleasant wandering.
- The city's squares and cafés, well suited to a slow afternoon.
Planning your visit
Oviedo works well as a stop of a day or two, either on its own or as part of a wider journey through Asturias. The compact centre means most sights are within a short walk of one another. The city is also known under the name Uvieu, which you may come across on older maps and signs.
If you enjoy history, architecture and a relaxed Spanish city rather than a crowded resort, Oviedo is well worth considering.
