Oviedo

Oviedo is a city in northern Spain. It is the capital of the Principality of Asturias and an important center for the area. The city has a population of about 220,027 people, making it the second-largest city in Asturias.

Oviedo is located about 24 kilometers southwest of Gijón and 23 kilometers southeast of Avilés. Both of these cities are near the Bay of Biscay. Although Oviedo is not right on the ocean, it is close enough to have a maritime climate, with temperatures that stay mild through the year. Some parts of the city are quite high above sea level, giving it a special kind of weather.

History

See also: Timeline of Oviedo

The Kingdom of Asturias began in 720 when a leader named Pelagius led a revolt against leaders who had taken over most of the land around the Iberian Peninsula. Oviedo, the city we know today, was not built yet. It is believed that two monks named Máximo and Fromestano started the city in 761. They built a small church there.

Over many years, kings helped shape Oviedo into a special place. They built churches and palaces, making it a center for important events. Even when Oviedo was not the main city, it remained important because of its history and beautiful buildings.

In later years, Oviedo grew with new schools, homes, and businesses, becoming the busy capital it is today.

Geography

Oviedo is found in the middle of Asturias, between the Nalón River and Nora River. To the north are Las Regueras and Llanera, to the south are Mieres del Camino and Ribera de Arriba, to the east are Siero and Langreo, and to the west are Grado and Santo Adriano. The city sits between 80 and 709 metres above sea level. Big hills and mountains help protect Oviedo from strong winds.

Oviedo has an oceanic climate, which means its weather is mild most of the year. Summers are warm but not too hot, and winters are mild and not too cold, thanks to its closeness to the sea. The warmest month is August, with average temperatures around 23.7 °C (74.7 °F).

Parishes

• Trubia
• Colloto (divided between two municipalities: Oviedo and Siero)
• San Claudio
• San Esteban de les Cruces
• Latores
• Olloniego

Demographics

As of 2024, about 14.8% of Oviedo’s people were born in other countries. The five biggest groups of people from outside Spain are from Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Cuba, and Romania.

Economy

Oviedo's economy mainly relies on the service sector, with many offices located in the city centre. As the administrative centre of the region, it provides many jobs in public administration. While manufacturing is important in nearby areas like Siero and Llanera, it is not as common in Oviedo itself. In 2009, the city had a debt of €135 million.

Architecture

Oviedo has a rich history of buildings, with many dating back to early medieval times. Important building projects happened during the reigns of Alfonso II (791-842) and Ramiro I (842-850). Alfonso II is believed to have built four churches, though only traces of some remain today. The San Salvador church, possibly built by Alfonso II, may lie under the Cathedral of Oviedo. The church of Santa Maria de la Corte, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was torn down in 1702. The church of San Tirso, dedicated to St. Tyrsus, still exists today, though most of it was built later.

During Ramiro I's time, two important buildings were constructed outside Oviedo: a church and a palace. The church, Santa Maria de Naranco, was originally a palace and later turned into a church. Another church from this time is San Miguel de Lillo.

Oviedo's notable buildings include the Cathedral of San Salvador, built in 1388 over an older church. The Cámara Santa de Oviedo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds important religious treasures. Other important sites are Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo, and the Basilica of San Julián de los Prados, known for its preserved frescoes. The University of Oviedo was founded in 1574 but opened in 1608. The city also has historic plazas like Plaza de la Escandalera and Plaza del Fontán.

Culture

Oviedo has inspired many famous writers and was even featured in a movie by Woody Allen. The city is home to several important museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Asturias and the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias.

Oviedo also has beautiful theatres like the Campoamor Theatre and the Filarmónica Theatre, as well as the Palacio de Congresos de Oviedo. The city is proud of its orchestra, the Orquesta Sinfonica del Principado de Asturias, which performs classical music and works with talented musicians from around the world. Every year, Oviedo holds the Princess of Asturias Awards to honor amazing achievements in different fields. Past winners include well-known names like Nelson Mandela and Bob Dylan. The city’s university attracts scholars from many countries, and Oviedo is also known for a special religious relic called the sudarium of Oviedo.

Politics

The current mayor of Oviedo is Alfredo Canteli from the PP party.

The city has many special traditions and foods. During the Festive Calendar, there is a parade called the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos de Oriente, where people dress up as the Three Wise Men and walk through the streets to give gifts. There is also a celebration called L'Antroxu or Carnival. The Sudarium of Oviedo is shown three times a year on special holidays.

Other traditions include La Foguera de San Juan, a bonfire celebration, and La Balesquida, a picnic day in May. There is a big festival for San Mateo with food, music, and concerts. The city also remembers a clever victory from long ago called El Desarme.

Oviedo has its own special foods, like fabada, a bean stew, and chorizo a la sidra, sausage cooked with cider. Other foods include carbayones, almond pastries, and sidra, a drink made from apples.

Sport

Formula One

Oviedo's most famous athlete is Fernando Alonso, Spain's only Formula One world champion. He raced for several top teams like Renault, Ferrari, and McLaren. Alonso has a museum and a karting track near Oviedo.

Sports teams in Oviedo

Oviedo has many sports teams, including:

• Real Oviedo, a football team.
• Real Oviedo Rugby, a rugby union team.
• Oviedo CB, a basketball team.
• Balonmano Base Oviedo, a handball team.
• Oviedo Booling, a roller hockey team.
• Real Oviedo Femenino, a women's football team.

Annual sports events

Oviedo hosts many yearly sports events such as:

• International Showjumping Competition
• City of Oviedo Horse Show
• City of Oviedo San Silvestre Outdoor Sports Climbing
• Vuelta a España (Cycling)
• Vuelta a Asturias (Cycling)
• Ascent of Naranco (Cycling)
• City of Oviedo Mountain Bike Open
• City of Oviedo Cycle Criterium
• Base Hockey International Tournament
• Prince of Asturias International Rally
• National Auto-Cross Championship
• International Hurdles Competition
• International Chess Open
• Boxing Nights
• Ascension Bowls Tournament
• San Mateo Bowls Tournament
• Open de España (Disc Golf)

Transport

Airports

Oviedo has an airport called Asturias Airport. It is about 48 kilometers from the city center and is reached by bus or car.

Public transport

Oviedo has many bus lines to help people move around the city. Some special bus lines run on weekends and holidays.

Rail

You can take trains from Oviedo railway station to travel far or near places. There are many smaller train stops around the city too.

Mining railway

There used to be a special train that went from Oviedo to iron mines a long time ago.

Tramway

Oviedo also had trams many years ago, but they are no longer used today.

Notable people

Oviedo has been home to many famous people from different fields. Some well-known individuals include HM Queen Letizia of Spain, the consort of the Spanish king Felipe VI. There is also Fernando Alonso, a racing driver who has won major championships like the Formula One World Drivers' Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Other notable figures are Juan Mata, a footballer who has played for Manchester United and won important titles, and Samuel Sánchez, a cyclist who won the Olympic Road Race Championship in 2008. The city has also produced writers, artists, and scientists who have made their mark in various areas.

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Spain

Twin towns — sister cities

Oviedo has friendly partnerships with cities around the world. Some of these partners include:

• Oviedo, Florida, United States, since 1877
• Valparaíso, Chile, since 1976
• Bochum, Germany, since 1979
• Buenos Aires, Argentina, since 1983
• Veracruz, Mexico, since 1983
• Clermont-Ferrand, France, since 1988
• Tampa, Florida, United States, since 1991
• Santiago de Compostela, Spain, since 1993
• Santa Clara, Cuba, since 1995
• Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, since 1998
• Holon, Israel, since 1999
• Zamora, Spain, since 9 October 2001
• Torrevieja, Spain, since 2 January 2004
• Hangzhou, China, since 2006
• Valencia de Don Juan, Spain, since 2006
• Viseu, Portugal, since 10 April 2007
• Maranello, Italy, since 28 April 2010