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San Salvador cathedral, also called "Sancta Ovetensis", was built on the site of an older basilica built by Fruela to pay homage to this saint. Construction of this magnificent Flemish Gothic building commenced at the end of the 13th century, under the aegis of Bishop Gutierre de Toledo. However, almost three centuries were to pass, until after the mid 16th century, before the ecclesiastical compound was completed.
The first architect to work on Oviedo Cathedral was Juan de Badajoz, although the names of the masters Juan de Candamo de las Tablas and Pedro Bunyeres have also been recorded. The latter are the artisans behind of the Latin cross layout on which this three-nave building stands. The largest nave, which is 10 metres wide, is higher than the other two and has huge windows with elliptical arches. The other naves are 6 metres wide.
As regards the chancel, the cathedral has conserved its main chapel with a rectangular layout and a pentagonal apse. Some of the most important elements in the structure are the Renaissance ambulatory with five radial chapels, which was built in the 17th century, and its Renaissance altarpiece - one of the largest in Spain - which was built by Giralte of Brussels and Juan de Balmaseda.
The city of Oviedo, capital of the Principality of Asturias, is located in the north of Spain, 28 kilometres from the Cantabrian coast and about 50 kilometres from the Cantabrian Mountain Range, which separates it from the rest of Spain.
Located at an altitude of 227 metres, Oviedo has become the political, geographical and administrative centre of the Principality of Asturias.
Oviedo Cathedral is located on Plaza de Alfonso II, also called Plaza de la Catedral, in Oviedo. It is surrounded by pedestrianised streets and is located in one of the most touristic areas of the city, with several accommodation options.
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Although there had been previous settlements, the city was founded in the year 761 by two monks: Fromestano and his nephew Máximo, who were looking for a quiet place to settle down. And so it was that they came across the hill of "Oveto", where they erected a church in honour of St. Vincent. Years later, they were joined by more monks and the church became a Monastery, which now houses the Archaeological Museum of Asturias.
Fruela I erected other buildings there, and in 792, after defeating the Muslims, Alphonsus II el Castro transferred to Oviedo the court of the early Asturian Kingdom, making the city the capital of the kingdom.
The city became a centre of medieval pilgrimagenes, complementing the Way of St. James, although it was at the end of the Middle Ages that Oviedo acquired its splendour and the work on building the cathedral began.
One of the most important years in the history of Oviedo was 1388, when the Principality of Asturias was established, a title that is granted to the heirs to the Crown. A century later, Oviedo was granted the jubilee for the veneration of the Holy Relics and the University was founded in the 17th century.
The 17th century, the century of the Enlightenment, was important in the city's development: major intellectuals appeared on the scene and a flourishing industrial activity that was to continue in the 19th century commenced. This was the time when the coal mines were exploited and there was a great rise in commercial and financial activity.
Oviedo has become an important services centre, a modern university city with administrative functions and major international projection due to the Prince of Asturias Awards and twinning with cities from all over the world. Urban life is vibrant and is basically concentrated in the old quarter, which has been restored and closed to traffic so that it may be enjoyed by strollers.
The cultural life of the city is very important, partly because of the University: there are seven university faculties, a Higher Conservatory of Music, the College of Arts and Trades, the Mining Engineering College, etc. It is also the seat of the archdioceses and the city where state and Autonomous Community bodies are based.
As well as all of the activities that are organised by the Prince of Asturias Foundation, the opera season organised by the Philharmonic Society is also of great importance.
Tourist Office for the Principality
Telephone no. 985213385
El Escorialín Municipal Tourist Office
Telephone no. 985227586
Monuments, museums,festivals,maps
www.principadodeasturias.com
