Oviedo

 

Oviedo is the capital of Asturias and the former capital of the Kingdom of Asturias.

Santa Maria del Naranco was a pre-Romanesque palace and church constructed by the King of Asturias in the 9th century.

The Kingdom of Asturias was founded in the 8th century when the Visigothic noble Pelagius revolted against the Umayyad Caliphate.

San Miguel de Lillo was built as part of the royal building complex with Santa Maria del Naranco.

The Kingdom of Asturias fought Moors, Basques, Galicians, and Vikings to expand from a sliver of land on the north Spanish coast to a formidable state.

Many churches are built in historical style around town, including the Church of San Pedro of the Arches, built in the early 20th century.

We stayed in the Hotel de la Reconquista, which had an impressive exterior.

And interior!

Oviedo Cathedral was originally built in the 8th century, and a major remodel occurred in the 14th century.

The Kingdom of Asturias was split into Galicia, Asturias, and Leon after the death of Alfonso the Great in 910. These territories reconsolidated under the Kingdom of Leon by 924.

Asturias was the cradle of the Reconquista. Its importance is highlighted by the fact the heir to the Spanish crown is titled the Prince/Princess of Asturias.

The Oviedo Cathedral's Holy Chamber houses many relics of the Kingdom of Asturias that are over 1000 years old.

Asturias is now an autonomous community within Spain.

Asturian cuisine is best experienced at Sidreria Tierra Astur Gascona, which still pours cider in the traditional bottle raised to the ceiling to floor method to get rid of impurities.