The County of Oviedo is located in the heart of Asturias and it is a capital of the Principality. Oviedo, is an elegant city with a rich cultural life. Mountainous range of the Picos da Europa (peaks of Europe), shares landscape with neighbouring Cantabria Sea. Along with Aviles, Oviedo is a city that we would recommend any tourist to visit whilst in Asturias.
Geographically Oviedo has a central location in the region and is found mid way on both the "east to west" and "north to south" areas.
Oviedo has a population of approximately 200, 000 inhabitants and is of major economic value to not just the region, but the whole of Spain.
The name Oviedo originates from the Latin word for city (urbis) and is a reflection of Oviedo's importance in the early history of Spain. During Spain's resistance against the Moors, Oviedo was quite literally the countries cultural, political and religious epi-centre as it became the target destination of those seeking to escape the tyranny of the muslim invaders.
Initial impressions of Oviedo
As you approach Oviedo you are immediately aware of its industrial significance as you see plumes of smoke rising from the coal and steel plants on the outskirts of the city.
This should not be a cause for alarm as the industrial areas are actually several kilometers away from Oviedo itself and the city is very clean and friendly. Once in Oviedo there is much to see and do and the city has the mountain ranges of the Monte Naranco and the Picos de Europa within easy traveling distance. The inner town area also boasts a large park, an extensive museum and plenty of shopping in and around the old quarter. Oviedo can be also a great base to ski in Spain on the winter parts of the year. Just 40 minuts from here are two ski resorts in north Spain - Valgrande Pajares and San Isidro.
Despite the initial misleading and somewhat industrial appearance of Oviedo, once in the heart of the town you discover a beautifully maintained old quarter with wealth of history and architecture. The most shining star is the Cathedral of Oviedo, which occupies one of a large square and is is elegant and tall , but there is also many other interesting buildings. There is a bustling market, numerous cafes, spectacular churces, castles, palaces and museums. All worth interest.
Finding things to see and do in Oviedo is never a problem. The areas around the city's cathedral contain many interesting streets, buildings and plazas and one street in particular is full of unique bars called "sidrerias". These siderias are famed in Asturias for a special kind of still cider (sidra) and at night they become busy and highly atmospheric. A "real" sidreria will have wooden floor beams and the sidra will be poured into the glass from a great height with the glass angled towards the horizontal. Much of the sidra is spilt during this decanting process. The correct way to drink this beverage is in one continuous swallow immediately after is has been dispensed. [check more about cider Asturias]
For a less alcoholic gastronomic experience of Oviedo, we suggest morning or afternoon visit to a churreria will provide you with an unusual breakfast or delicious add-on for an afternoon tee.
When it comes to nightlife Oviedo is far from quiet. In addition to its sidrerias it has many bars and clubs, plus a large theatre. It is also a real city that is not dependant upon tourism and it retains its atmosphere and activity level all year round. For most tourists a walk around the old town, something to eat and the experience of sidra makes a good night time experience and this usually extends well into the early hours.
In keeping with its status as a capital city, Oviedo has a lot to offer and, aside from galleries and museums, one of its more discerning attractions is the wine route known as "la ruta de los vinos".
To let know more about Oviedo, about places to visit in this capital of northern Spain, use the links in the left menu (North Spain Guide) . There you will find information about the new part of town, the historical buildings, the cathedral and much more.