The city of Oviedo, which is the capital of the Principality of Asturias, is very picturesque, a large number of exotic plants grow here and rare animals can be seen.
The city with a rich architectural heritage is the administrative center of the province of Spain. This is a separate region with no official status, and its own Asturian language is used on its territory.
Location, how to get there
Oviedo in Spain is located on the territory of the autonomous community of Asturias, on the northern side of Spain. It is the second largest city in the region, the date of its foundation is 11/25/761.
The city is located near the coast of the Bay of Biscay and borders the following regions:
from the west side | Grado and Santo Adriano |
from the north side | Las Regueras and Llanera |
from the east side | Siero and Langreo |
from the south side | Mieres and Ribera de Arriba |
The city is located among the emerald-green mountain peaks, it has a huge number of attractions. Oviedo is surrounded by the Picos de Europa mountain range, which makes it very hilly terrain. On the north side, the city is adjacent to the Monte Naranco mountain, on the south side – the Sierra del Aramo.
The Spanish city is located at variable elevations from 80 m to 709 m above the ocean, its central part is at the level of 232 m. It is located between the rivers called Nora and Nalon, in the central part of Asturias, at a distance of 25 km from the Cantabrian Sea. The city is located at the geographical coordinates: 43.3603 north latitude and 5.84476 west longitude.
There are various ways to get to the Spanish city. There is quite a long distance between Russia and the Spanish city, more than 4 thousand km, so the most convenient option is to travel by air.
The Principality of Asturias, the capital city of which Oviedo is considered, has its own international airport. The airport terminal called Asturias is located at a distance of just under 50 km from Oviedo, near the city of Aviles.
After arrival, it is possible to get from the airport terminal to Oviedo by using the bus of the Alsa carrier company. The cost of the trip will be 8 €, the journey will take about 45 minutes. It is possible to get from the airport to the capital of the principality by taxi, the price of a car trip will be from 55 €.
You will not be able to fly to the airport in Asturias by direct flight from Moscow, you will have to use transfers in the cities of Lisbon or Madrid. Including the transfer time and waiting for the second flight, the flight will take from 12 to 14 hours. The cost of air travel will be about 300 €.
From the central part of Russia, flights to Lisbon and Madrid are served by the following companies:
- Iberia;
- Aeroflot;
- Tap Portugal.
From the northern capital of Russia, St. Petersburg, it is possible to fly to Oviedo with transfers in 2 cities. The most convenient conditions are offered by British Airways, and the cost of the flight will be from 330 €. During the trip towards Oviedo, transfers will be made to other flights in the cities of Madrid and London.
On the way back, from Oviedo to St. Petersburg, you will need to make only 1 transfer in London. Due to the time spent waiting at the airport terminal, the journey to Russia will take about a day.
There is an option to make a combined trip on 2 different transports, first by plane, then by rail. In this case, you can fly to Madrid, then transfer to a train.
For Muscovites in this case, there is no significant difference in time and money spent, but this option is more convenient for travelers from the city of St. Petersburg. A flight by plane, then a train ride will significantly reduce the travel time.
Flights by Aeroflot and Iberia airlines to Madrid:
departure point | Time spent in the air | the price of a plane ticket |
Moscow | 4 hours | from 200 to 220 € |
Saint-Petersburg | from 7 to 8 hours . | 240 € |
The most economical and fastest way to travel from the airport terminal in Madrid to the Atocha railway station is to use a commuter train. The travel time will be about 30 minutes, the price of the road will cost less than 20 €.
Trains leave the train station every 10 minutes. After arriving at the train station, you need to purchase a ticket for the train to Oviedo. In total, 5 or 6 trains travel along this route per day, the journey will take about 5 hours, the price of train tickets starts from € 20. Trains arrive in Oviedo at the train station in the city center.
A combined trip by plane and train to Oviedo from Moscow will take about 10 hours, the cost will cost 250 €, from the Northern capital of Russia the journey will take 16 hours and will cost 280 €.
You can get to the Spanish city exclusively by train, but this is a fairly long journey that can take several days. It is also a rather expensive method, the approximate cost of a round trip will cost at least 800 € per 1 person.
To do this, you need to travel from Moscow by rail to Paris. The journey will take about 40 hours and will cost from 300 €. Then proceed from Paris to Barcelona paying about 70 €, the travel time will be about 7 hours.
At the train station in Barcelona, you should buy a ticket to Oviedo, which is about 10 hours away. The ticket price will be 50 €.
It is problematic to get from Russia to Oviedo by intercity bus and your own car. It is very difficult to overcome such a long distance in not very comfortable conditions.
For those who prefer to travel by private transport, it is recommended to fly by plane to Madrid and rent a car there to travel around Spain and to travel to Oviedo.
Some of the roads that you will have to drive on the Madrid – Oviedo road are toll-free, the total amount of the cash fee will leave about € 25. The approximate monetary costs in this case will be approximately equal to the cost of a trip by rail.
Climatic conditions
Oviedo in Spain is surrounded by mountain ranges, they reliably protect it from the wind, so there is almost always windless weather here. In the summer months, the city has the highest concentration of visitors, during this period it is noticeably drier, rains are rare and the weather is comfortable, from +22 °C to +26°C.
In autumn, the city becomes the most picturesque. Up to the beginning of December, comfortable warm weather is observed, but it often rains. The temperature outside drops to +15°Fog often descends from and from the mountain slopes on Oviedo.
In spring, the air temperature is extremely unstable, and it often rains. During this period, you need to come on vacation with the maximum amount of clothes designed for different weather conditions.
In winter, Oviedo is sparsely populated, tourists prefer not to come here at this time of the year. As a rule, in winter, the air temperature outside is between +5°C and +10 °With a high percentage of humidity. Sometimes the temperature can drop to 0 °C and it will be snowing wet.
The highest tourist season in Oviedo is the time period June – September.
Average temperature indicators over the past few years:
month | day °C | night °C | sunny days | rainy days and rainfall |
January | +10,8 | +5,5 | 16 | 9 (103,7) |
february | +10,8 | +5,5 | 11 | 8 (106) |
March | +14,5 | +5,5 | 16 | 8 (85,1) |
april | +18,5 | +7,7 | 12 | 7 (88,6) |
May | +19,5 | +8,2 | 16 | 6 (61,5) |
June | +21,5 | +10,2 | 15 | 3 (48,0) |
July | +23,0 | +12,4 | 19 | 2 (47,1) |
august | +25,2 | +12,2 | 19 | 1 (28,6) |
september | +25,0 | +12,4 | 18 | 1 (31,9) |
october | +21,5 | +12,4 | 20 | 3 (53,3) |
November | +16,5 | +8,0 | 14 | 3 (78,0) |
december | +11,8 | +5,0 | 15 | 4 (45,9) |
Historical data
The principality called Asturias and its capital Oviedo were founded by the Visigoths to counterbalance the Arabs, who were occupiers in the Middle Ages in most of the Iberian Peninsula.
After its foundation, the city has long been an important commercial and economic center in Spain. Oviedo is located on a rather poor territory of Iberia, so the Moorish rulers ignored it for a long time, until in 794 they plundered the troops of Caliph Hishamom I during an attack.
Subsequently, the ruling kings, who moved their residence to Oviedo, set out to rebuild the city so that it would not be inferior to the famous city of Toledo. For a long time, beautiful buildings were erected on its territory, modeled after the capital of the Visigothic kingdom.
They were built according to the Romanesque traditions adopted at that time. In the tenth century, the seat of the kingdom was moved to Leon and the city of Oviedo lost its importance, but did not become less important for Spain as a whole. It continued to serve as a residence for the bishop and by the 12th century had already served as an object for pilgrims on the St. James Road to Santiago de Compostela.
Attractions
Oviedo in Spain is a large reserve of pre–Romanesque architecture and the most important commercial and industrial center of the entire region. The most beautiful area of the capital city is the Old Town area or the historical center, which is called Casco Antigua.
It was in it that the appearance of the Middle Ages was preserved and the main attractions of the region were located. The area is characterized by old narrow streets and northern Spanish architecture.
Cathedral of San Salvador
The temple is considered the hallmark of Oviedo and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Spain. The temple was built in the Gothic style during the Middle Ages on the site where there used to be a church founded by the king of Asturias named Alfonso II. The building is equipped with an 82-meter tower and decorated with a spire.
From the outside, it seems that the building was built in the Gothic style, but there are styles in it: pre-Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance.
In the main chapel of the building, exquisite and luxurious architecture is noticeable, real masterpieces of art hang on the walls. Archbishop Arias de Villar, who lived in the XVI century, is buried here. In Santa Eulalia (chapel), made in the Baroque style, you can see a silver-gilded reliquary collected in the XI century.
Camara Santa
In the Spanish city called Oviedo, you can see the most precious of the ancient objects of Spain, Camara Santa. It is a chapel structure listed as a World Heritage Site.
There is an ancient reliquary here, delivered to the principality as a result of the capture of the Visigothic kingdom by the Moors. The precious vault with silver-plated frescoes contains the most valuable religious exhibits.
There is also a chapel with 12th-century tombs and an archive with historical manuscripts. There is a museum of church religious objects near the tomb.
Sculptures of Mafalda and La Regenta
In the capital Oviedo, a large number of monuments and monuments have been installed on the streets. They look so organically in the urban landscape that they form a single whole with it. There is a special tourist route on the streets of the city, moving along which there is an opportunity to admire all the main sculptures of the city.
The most famous are:
- A monument to Pablo Irrgang called “Mafalda”, who is a character in an Argentine animated film;
- the monument to La Regente, who served as a mentor in the cathedral.
Church of San Isidoro
The church of San Isidoro was built on the territory of Oviedo in the XVI century. It was restored on the territory of an ancient Romanesque temple in the old part of the city, near the town hall on the Constitution Square.
The building is made in the Jesuit style, has a four-section nave and several chapels that are interconnected. The church building was consecrated in 1681.
Church of San Juan el Real
One of the most interesting architectural structures in Oviedo is the Church of San Juan el Real. The religious building was built between 1912 and 1915.
It has a unique facade and rich interior decoration.
Town Hall
The Town Hall has the status of a historical architectural structure, made in the image of Baroque buildings. It was built at the beginning of the XVII century in the historical quarter of the city, on the territory of Plaza Mayor square.
The building is equipped with a symmetrical facade, which successfully emphasizes the arches and a large number of decorative balconies. On the main body of the building there is a pediment, on which there is a shield and a clock tower.
University of Oviedo
The higher education institution in Oviedo is considered the oldest in Spain, the date of its foundation is 1574. It is the main attraction of the city and the only higher educational institution of the Principality of Asturias.
Almost 10% of the entire local population study at this university.
San Francisco Park
The main natural park called Campo de San Francisco is located in the central part of Oviedo. In the past, it was an ordinary park at the monastery of the same name, its area was about 6 hectares. Lush vegetation grew here, exotic plants were planted and colorful flowers grew.
Subsequently, pedestrian alleys were laid here and recreation areas were equipped, various sculptures and arched structures were installed. Trees were planted on the free territory.
The Palace of Condes de Toreno
The castle, owned by a count named Toreno, is considered the most beautiful building in Oviedo. The architectural historical palace was built in 1675.
The Baroque building is equipped with a unique facade, decorated with Tuscan columns framing the entrance doorway of the building.
The Palace of Camposagrada
The magnificent castle of Camposagrada, made in the Baroque style, was built in the XVIII century. The building is equipped with two elegant facades made in different styles. One, made in the image of Rococo, is located on the side of the Plaza de Porlier, the second is directed at the Valdecartzana Palace and is made in the Baroque style.
Entertainments
Oviedo in Spain offers to visit one of the entertainment facilities organized and popular even with the most sophisticated tourists. In summer, guests of the city are invited to visit the local beach “Green Coast”, fully equipped for a comfortable stay.
Also, the Playa de Ballota coast is popular, which is great for sports entertainment. This type of recreation is very popular among the locals of Oviedo.
In the park, located in the central part of the city, outdoor enthusiasts are invited to ride bicycles along a specially designated path.
Next to the park there is a club called “Baobab”, which has a luxurious bar. In the evening, discos and entertainment are held here. Sometimes there is live music and themed parties.
For families with children, it is recommended to visit the local zoo, where you can see the animals:
- lemurs;
- parrots;
- kangaroo;
- Raccoons;
- meerkats;
- protein;
- turtles;
- tigers.
There are also a huge number of exotic plants and trees planted on the territory of the zoo.
An excellent active holiday can be a visit to the golf center. Here you can play golf and visit the SPA with massage rooms, thermal areas and an excellent cafe.
In the capital of Asturias, Oviedo, you can visit escape quests, laser tag and the local stadium, where football matches are periodically held.
The Spanish city of Oviedo is considered the most visited city in Northern Spain. Therefore, there is a wide range of housing in the city of different price categories. A huge number of hotels, hostels and boarding houses are open on its territory.
The approximate cost of living in the city is from 35 to 60 € per day. It is possible to rent individual apartments from individuals, the cost of which varies from 40 to 400 €.
Video about the city
Video review: Oviedo is the capital of Asturias, Spain: