San Julián de los Prados preserves early medieval wall paintings that rank among Europe’s most significant surviving examples. The city also offers a broad cultural perspective: the Museo Arqueológico de Asturias presents periods from prehistory to the beginning of the modern era, while the Museo de Bellas Artes includes works dating up to the 21st century. Pre-Romanesque buildings add another dimension to this look at history.

Art collections and archaeological traces of the past

The Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias contains 15,000 works from the 14th to the 21st century, including works by El Greco, Goya, Sorolla, Picasso, Dalí and Miró. For art lovers, its particular appeal lies in this breadth of dates: the collection spans many centuries rather than focusing on just one period.

The museum is housed in a complex of four buildings next to the cathedral in Oviedo’s historic centre. It is in a pedestrian zone near the town hall, Plaza Trescorrales and El Fontán market. These landmarks help you locate the museum in the city centre.

The Museo Arqueológico de Asturias is located in the former Benedictine monastery of San Vicente, dating from the 16th century and closely associated with Oviedo’s history. Its exhibition covers the main cultural periods from prehistory to the beginning of the modern era. A dedicated gallery presents Asturian heritage sites with World Heritage status.

Pre-Romanesque architecture and landmarks

San Julián de los Prados preserves early medieval wall paintings that rank among the most significant surviving examples from this period in Europe. Santa María del Naranco is another prominent landmark of pre-Romanesque art: it is considered its most significant building in Europe. A 150 m path leads from the car park to the building; bus line A2 also serves the Prerrománico stop. Check the bus service before travelling.

La Foncalada is the only example of a civil building in a pre-Romanesque architectural style in an urban setting. In the heart of Oviedo, the Catedral de El Salvador is a cultural, artistic and religious landmark. The Cámara Santa was declared a World Heritage Site in 1998.

Sidra, cuisine and market days

Calle Gascona, known as the Boulevard of Sidra, is lined with restaurants and sidrerías. You can sample cider and typical cuisine there; individual businesses may change. El Fontán market is particularly lively on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you plan to visit the market on one of these days, check the current market days before your trip.

Green spaces and walking routes

Campo San Francisco is a 90,000 m² central green space where families, readers and curious visitors go for a stroll. The Vía Verde de Fuso offers a different way to enjoy the outdoors: it follows the former route of a mining railway through tunnels and past trees and old railway stations. The route’s former use as a railway remains part of the experience.

Monte Naranco rises to over 600 metres and can be climbed on foot in just over an hour. The Camino de Santiago Primitivo is on a different scale: the route runs from Oviedo/Uviéu to Puerto del Acebo and is 145.6 km long in total. This lets you choose between a climb with a stated walking time and a considerably longer route.

A bus service connects Asturias Airport (OVD) with Oviedo bus station. Check this connection before your trip, as transport information may change.

Discover more destinations: Nava, Oviedo, Santianes, La Manjoya, Faro, Cortina, Siones, Santo Medero, Las Caldas, Villapérez.

For the main travel overview: Asturias.