Oviedo history

The history of Oviedo is rooted in the early Middle Ages and is closely linked to the establishment of the Christian kingdom in northern Spain. The city has evolved from a small monastic settlement into the political and cultural centre of the region.

Foundation and First Mentions

The official date of Oviedo's foundation is considered to be the year 761. It was then that two monks, Máximo and Fromestano, established a monastery dedicated to Saint Vincent on a hill called Ovetão. This modest religious settlement became the core of the future city, which quickly acquired strategic importance.

Key Factors of Establishment

The rise of Oviedo was driven by several decisive factors:

• Political Power: A turning point in the city's history was the year 791, when King Alfonso II the Chaste of Asturias moved his capital here. Oviedo became not just an administrative centre, but a stronghold of Christianity and the starting point of the Reconquista — the centuries-long struggle against Moorish rule on the Iberian Peninsula.
• Geographical Location: The city's location on hilly terrain between the Nalón and Nora rivers, surrounded by mountains, provided natural protection against attacks.
• Religious Significance: Thanks to the construction of numerous churches and the preservation of important Christian relics, Oviedo turned into a major pilgrimage centre, becoming a vital stop on the famous Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago).

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first centuries of its existence, Oviedo formed a unique character. In the 9th century, the distinctive Asturian Pre-Romanesque style in architecture flourished here, monuments of which are today included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The city's economy was initially closely tied to the royal court, the church, and services for pilgrims. A significant cultural and educational impulse for the city's development was the founding of the University of Oviedo at the beginning of the 17th century.

Chronology of the City's Development

• 761 — Monks Máximo and Fromestano found the monastery of Saint Vincent on the hill of Ovetão, laying the foundation for the future city.
• 791 — King Alfonso II moves the court to Oviedo, transforming it into the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias and the political centre of the region.
• 842 — During the reign of Ramiro I, the construction of the Santa María del Naranco palace, a jewel of Pre-Romanesque art, is completed.
• 910 — The capital of the kingdom is moved to León, but the city retains its status as an important religious centre thanks to the relics kept here.
• 1388 — The first stone is laid for the foundation of the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador, the construction of which defined the appearance of the centre for centuries to come.
• 1521 — A severe fire destroys much of the medieval wooden structures, leading to a large-scale stone reconstruction of the streets.
• 1608 — The University of Oviedo begins its work, established by the will of the Grand Inquisitor Fernando de Valdés Salas.
• 1808 — The city junta is one of the first to declare war on Napoleonic France, marking the beginning of the resistance in Spain.
• 1874 — The opening of the railway connection through the Pajares pass links the city with the central regions of the country and accelerates industrial growth.
• 1885 — The commissioning of the first major water supply system and the launch of gas lighting modernize the urban infrastructure.
• 1934 — The historic centre, including the university building and library, suffers serious damage during revolutionary events in Asturias.
• 1981 — Establishment of the Prince of Asturias Foundation and the holding of the first ceremony for the international award of the same name.
• 2011 — Opening of the futuristic Conference Centre, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava.

The development of Oviedo is a story of transformation from a medieval enclave to a modern European city with a high quality of life. Here are the key stages that shaped its current appearance and status:

• Arrival of the Railway (1874): The opening of the railway connection through the Pajares pass connected Oviedo with the central plateau of Spain. This event turned the city into a key logistics hub serving the rapidly developing coal and metallurgical industry of Asturias.
• Creation of Calle Uría (Late 19th Century): The laying of the city's main commercial artery, Calle Uría, became a symbol of bourgeois expansion. It connected the old historic centre with the railway station, setting the vector for urban development for a century ahead.
• Post-War Reconstruction (Mid-20th Century): After severe destruction in the 1930s, the city underwent a large-scale restoration programme. Iconic buildings were restored, including the Campoamor Theatre and the university, and the current square in front of the Cathedral was formed, becoming the city's calling card.
• Establishment of the Prince of Asturias Awards (1980): The creation of the foundation and the establishment of the prestigious international award (now the Princess of Asturias Awards) brought the city to the global cultural stage. Annual ceremonies have made the city a meeting place for the planet's intellectual and creative elite.
• Pedestrian Revolution (1990s): The strategic decision by authorities to completely close the historic centre to cars radically changed the urban environment. Oviedo became an example of a pedestrian-friendly city, filled with street sculptures and transformed into an "open-air museum".
• Economic Transformation (21st Century): The decline of heavy industry in the region pushed the city to develop the service sector. The construction of the Conference Centre by architect Santiago Calatrava and the new university hospital (HUCA) consolidated the city's status as a centre for business tourism and advanced medicine.

Oviedo's architectural appearance is a living chronicle of its centuries-old history, where each style reflects a specific era. The city presents a unique combination of structures from the early Middle Ages to modern futuristic buildings, making it a true open-air museum.

Pre-Romanesque Style (8th–10th Centuries)

This is the most valuable and unique architectural era of Oviedo, linked to the period when the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias. It was here that the distinctive Asturian Pre-Romanesque style originated, monuments of which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These structures, built far from Moorish influence, demonstrate a unique synthesis of Visigothic, Carolingian, and Byzantine traditions.

• Santa María del Naranco: Originally built as a country palace for King Ramiro I, this structure is the jewel of the style. Its two-story structure with open loggias and exquisite decor has no analogues in early medieval Europe.
• San Miguel de Lillo: Once a palace chapel located next to Santa María del Naranco. Although only a third of the original building remains, its vertical proportions and remains of sculptural decoration are still impressive.
• San Julián de los Prados: One of the oldest churches, famous for its beautifully preserved frescoes, which are a rare example of wall painting from that period.

Gothic (14th–16th Centuries)

The Gothic period in Oviedo is primarily associated with the grandiose reconstruction of the city's main temple.

• Cathedral of San Salvador: Construction of this majestic cathedral in the "Flamboyant Gothic" style began in 1388. Its intricate 80-metre tower dominates the historic centre. Inside the cathedral lies the Holy Chamber (Cámara Santa) — a treasury from the Pre-Romanesque period (9th century), where major relics, including the Cross of Victory, are kept.

Renaissance and Baroque (16th–18th Centuries)

After the major fire of 1521, the city was actively rebuilt. During this period, elegant palaces and monumental public buildings appeared.

• University of Oviedo Building: Founded in the early 17th century, its historic campus is a vivid example of Herrerian style architecture — a restrained and monumental Spanish Renaissance style.
• Old Town Palaces: The streets around the cathedral are adorned with numerous Baroque palaces, such as the Toreno and Campo Sagrado palaces, distinguished by lavish coats of arms on their facades.

Neoclassicism and Modernism (19th – Early 20th Century)

The industrial revolution and the rise in bourgeois wealth changed the face of Oviedo. The city expanded, and new public spaces and elegant residential buildings appeared.

• Teatro Campoamor: Built in 1892, this Neoclassical theatre became the cultural heart of the city. It is here that the prestigious Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony takes place annually.
• Architecture of Calle Uría: The city's main shopping artery is lined with Art Nouveau buildings, easily recognisable by their flowing lines, floral ornaments, and graceful balconies.

Contemporary Architecture (Late 20th – 21st Century)

Oviedo continues to develop, integrating bold modern projects into its historical landscape.

• Conference Centre (Palacio de Congresos): This futuristic building, designed by the world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, has become a new symbol of modern Oviedo. Its unusual shape, resembling a shell, contrasts with the classical buildings, demonstrating the dynamic development of the city.

Distinguished Figures Linked to Oviedo

Oviedo, having been an important political, religious, and cultural centre for centuries, became the birthplace or place of activity for many iconic figures in Spanish history. These people left a deep mark in various fields — from the founding of the kingdom to modern achievements in sports and literature.

• Alfonso II the Chaste (c. 762–842) — King of Asturias. It was he who moved the capital of his kingdom to Oviedo in 791, turning it into the main political and spiritual centre of Christian Spain at that time. Under him, key Pre-Romanesque churches were built, which later became UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Fernando de Valdés Salas (1483–1568) — Religious and political figure, Archbishop of Seville and Grand Inquisitor. He is one of the key figures in the history of the city's education, as it was he who bequeathed funds for the foundation of the University of Oviedo, which opened in 1608.
• Leopoldo Alas "Clarín" (1852–1901) — A prominent writer and literary critic. Although born in Zamora, he lived most of his life in Oviedo, where he taught at the university. His main novel, "La Regenta", is considered one of the greatest works of Spanish literature, and its action takes place in the fictional city of Vetusta, modeled after Oviedo.
• Ramón Pérez de Ayala (1880–1962) — Writer, journalist, and diplomat, one of the significant figures of the "Generation of '14". Born and raised in Oviedo, he studied at the local university. In his works, he often addressed themes and images related to his native Asturias.
• Queen Letizia (born 1972) — Queen Consort of Spain, wife of King Felipe VI. Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano was born and raised in Oviedo. Before her marriage, she was a well-known journalist and television presenter. She became the first Queen of Spain born a commoner.
• Fernando Alonso (born 1981) — World-famous racing driver, two-time Formula 1 World Champion (2005, 2006). He was born in Oviedo and is considered one of the greatest athletes in Spanish history. Not far from the city, his personal museum is open, displaying his racing cars and trophies.