Oviedo Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Oviedo

The Kingdom of Asturias began in 720, with the Visigothic revolt against Muslim rule led by the nobleman Pelagius. At that time, the city of Oviedo did not exist. Two monks, Maximo and Fromestano, founded the city in 761. They built a small church for Saint Vincent on a bare hillside, and from this seed, Oviedo grew.

After Pelagius died in 737, King Alfonso I founded a dynasty in Oviedo that would last 330 years. Oviedo and Asturias are unique in Spain in that the Moors never invaded this part of the country. The Picos de Europa mountains proved a formidable obstacle for the Moors' army. While the struggles of the Reconquista would continue for another 455 years, the grand architectural traditions of Oviedo had begun in the 8th century.

The kings of the 8th-11th centuries busied themselves with building. The Church of San Salvador formed the heart of Oviedo. The Pilgrim route of Santiago passed through town. The Churches of Santa Maria Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo appeared.

The city walls and aqueduct were built during the 12th to 16th centuries. The University of Oviedo was created in 1574. In the 17th-19th centuries, Oviedo expanded into a major urban center. Grand palaces were built by the nobility. Industrial growth in the 19th century created suburban and commercial development around Uria Street.

Among the historical architectural sites accessible in the Old City center are Camara Santa (or "Holy Chamber") in year 802; St Mary of Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo in the 9th century; the well-preserved San Julian de los Prados in year 842; and the high towered Cathedral of San Salvador in 1388.

Oviedo is a city of plazas. Each has architecture, real-life sculptures, music and dancing, and festivals. At Christmas, the Three kings of the East journey to Cathedral Square. For seven days in September, the streets are filled with music and performances. The Wine fiesta is in October.

On Saturdays and Sundays, bagpipe bands play near Cathedral Square. Come, eat and drink and dance to the tunes of Oviedo.