Oviedo, Spain

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Oviedo, Spain

Region: Asturias

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Geographic Coordinates: 43.360000, -5.845000

Population: 217552

Language: Spanish

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Oviedo is a city located in Asturias, Spain that has successfully preserved its cultural heritage while embracing modernity. The old town, Casco Antiguo, Is a remarkable feature of the city with its medieval buildings and churches. The Cathedral of San Salvador is an iconic Gothic-style cathedral built during the 14th century that boasts intricate stained glass windows and ornate decorations inside. Another important religious site in Oviedo is the Holy Chamber which houses precious Christian relics. Oviedo’s thriving cultural scene includes museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts or Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias.

Food lovers will enjoy traditional cuisine like Fabada Asturiana; a hearty stew made with white beans and various types of pork meat like chorizo or morcilla (blood sausage). Sidra (Cider) is also an essential part of Asturian culture where visitors can join locals at cider bars called sidrerías. Festivals take place throughout the year including La Balesquida on August 19th where locals carry out La Santina –a statue representing Virgin Mary– through town accompanied by bagpipes music. Carnival season sees people dress up in costumes and take part in parades around town.

Nature lovers can explore nearby natural parks like Parque Natural de las Ubiñas-La Mesa or Parque Natural de Somiedo where they can hike through stunning landscapes of mountains, Rivers and forests. Oviedo offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture and natural beauty. Its rich heritage and traditions are evident in its architecture, Cuisine and festivals making it an ideal destination for all who visit.

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1. Cathedral of San Salvador: A Gothic-style cathedral built in the 13th century, featuring a mix of architectural styles and impressive stained glass windows.
2. Plaza del Fontán: A picturesque square in the old town, known for its market and traditional Asturian architecture.
3. Campoamor Theater: A historic theater built in the 19th century, known for its ornate interior design and hosting cultural events.
4. Santa María del Naranco: An ancient church located on a hill overlooking Oviedo, dating back to the 9th century and considered a masterpiece of pre-Romanesque architecture.
5. Archaeological Museum of Asturias: A museum showcasing the region’s rich history through archaeological artifacts, including prehistoric cave paintings and Roman ruins.
6. San Francisco Park: A large park with walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and beautiful views of Oviedo’s skyline.
7. University of Oviedo: One of Spain’s oldest universities founded in 1608 with several historic buildings scattered throughout the city center.
8. Woody Allen Statue: Located near the cathedral square is a bronze statue dedicated to filmmaker Woody Allen who filmed his movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona in Oviedo.
9. Palace of Camposagrado: An impressive baroque palace that currently houses government offices but can be visited by appointment only.
10. La Foncalada Fountain – A UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to medieval times when it was used as a public water source for drinking water from an underground spring.

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1. Tourism: Oviedo is a popular tourist destination attracting visitors from all over the world. The city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty make it an ideal place for tourism.
2. Education: Oviedo has several universities and colleges that offer quality education to students from different parts of the world.
3. Agriculture: The city is surrounded by fertile lands used for agriculture where farmers grow crops such as wheat, corn, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits.
4. Manufacturing: Oviedo has a thriving manufacturing industry producing goods like textiles, ceramics, furniture, and food products.
5. Technology: The city has a growing technology sector with companies involved in software development, IT services and telecommunications.
6. Health care: Oviedo has several hospitals and clinics providing quality health care services to the local community.
7. Retail trade: There are many shops in Oviedo selling everything from clothing to electronics to souvenirs for tourists visiting the city.
8. Banking & finance: Several banks have branches in Oviedo offering financial services to residents of the city as well as tourists visiting it.

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1. The founding of the Kingdom of Asturias by Pelayo in 718 AD, which began in Oviedo.
2. The construction of the Cathedral of San Salvador, also known as the Cathedral of Oviedo, in the 9th century.
3. The reigns of King Alfonso II and King Alfonso III who made Oviedo their capital city during their respective reigns.
4. The establishment of the University of Oviedo in 1608.
5. The birthplace and childhood home of famous Spanish writer Leopoldo Alas Clarín (1852-1901).
6. The birthplace and childhood home of famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (born 1951).
7. The location where King Philip II signed the Treaty of Joinville with France in 1584.
8. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Oviedo was a Nationalist stronghold that was besieged by Republican forces for several months before being relieved by General Francisco Franco’s troops.
9. In recent years, Oviedo has become known for its gastronomy scene and is often referred to as the capital city for foodies.

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1. The Cathedral of San Salvador is a stunning Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 13th century. It features intricate carvings and stained glass windows.
2. The Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias showcases a vast collection of Spanish art from the 15th to the 20th century.
3. Campoamor Theater is a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances, including plays, operas, and concerts.
4. Plaza del Fontán is a lively square in the heart of Oviedo’s old town where you can sample local food and drink at one of its many bars and restaurants.
5. Archaeological Museum of Asturias is an archaeological museum featuring exhibits on prehistoric Asturian culture and artifacts from Roman times.
6. Monastery of San Pelayo de Oviedo is an ancient monastery that dates back to the 9th century with beautiful architecture and religious artwork inside.
7. Church of Santa María del Naranco is a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside Oviedo that features stunning pre-Romanesque architecture from the early Middle Ages.
8. Plaza de la Escandalera is another popular square in Oviedo’s city center known for its fountains, sculptures, and lively atmosphere.
9. Woody Allen Statue: Located in front of Teatro Campoamor there’s a statue dedicated to Woody Allen who filmed part his movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona in Oviedo
10. Palacio de Revillagigedo- Gijón: This palace was built in mid-18th century by Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos who was an important figure during Enlightenment period

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1. Real Oviedo – Founded in 1926, Real Oviedo is a professional football club that plays in the Segunda División. They have a long history of success, having won the Copa del Rey twice and played in La Liga for many seasons.
2. OCB Baloncesto – This basketball team was founded in 1951 and has competed at various levels of Spanish basketball over the years.
3. Unión Financiera Balonmano Base Oviedo – This handball team was founded in 2014 and competes in the Liga ASOBAL, which is the top professional handball league in Spain.
4. R.C.A.Rugby Club Asturias – Founded in 1968, this rugby team has had success at both national and regional levels.
5. A.D Carisa Hockey Patines – This roller hockey team was founded back in the 1970s and has been successful throughout its history competing at different levels within Spanish Roller Hockey Federation championships.

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1. San Mateo Festival is the most significant festival in Oviedo, and it takes place in mid-September. It features various cultural activities such as concerts, parades, bullfights, fireworks and more.
2. Holy Week is celebrated throughout the city during the week leading up to Easter with religious events and processions.
3. The International Bagpipe Festival celebrates Asturian bagpipes and attracts musicians from all over the world to perform traditional music.
4. La Ascensión is a spring festival that takes place on the Thursday after Pentecost Sunday featuring traditional dances and musical performances.
5. The San Juan de Corias Fair is a summer fair that showcases local food products like cheese and cider.
6. Antroxu Carnival is held in February or March with costumes, parades, music, and dancing to celebrate carnival season.
7. The Natural Cider Festival or Festival de la Sidra Natural takes place in April or May to celebrate Asturian cider with tastings of different varieties from local producers.
8. The Feria Internacional de Muestras or International Trade Fair is an annual trade fair held in August showcasing products from various industries including agriculture, tourism, technology etc…

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• Fabada Asturiana – a hearty bean stew with chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pork.
• Cachopo – a breaded veal or pork dish stuffed with ham and cheese.
• Sidra (cider) – a traditional alcoholic beverage made from apples that is poured from a height to aerate it.
• Casa Gerardo – a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its traditional Asturian cuisine, including fabada asturiana and cachopo.
• Tierra Astur – a chain of restaurants serving typical Asturian dishes such as cider-marinated grilled meats and seafood.
• La Taberna del Zurdo – known for its homemade vermouth and tapas such as croquetas de cabrales (blue cheese croquettes).
• Restaurante Gloria by Nacho Manzano – another Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern interpretations of Asturian cuisine using local ingredients.
• El Raitán de Sabino – specializes in grilled meats cooked over oak wood fire, as well as fish dishes like merluza (hake) with clams in cider sauce.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Parque de San Francisco is a beautiful park located in the heart of Oviedo. It boasts lovely gardens, fountains, and a pond.
2. Campo de San Francisco is a large park that’s perfect for outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, and picnicking.
3. Parque Purificación Tomás is a popular destination for families with children because of its playgrounds and open spaces.
4. Los Pericones Park is an ideal place to go hiking or biking through the forested areas of Oviedo.
5. La Vía Verde Senda del Oso used to be a railway line but has since been transformed into a scenic hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Museo Evaristo Valle Sculpture Park features works by local artists set in stunning gardens – it’s an outdoor sculpture museum you won’t want to miss!
7. Paseo del Bombé y Ruta de los Molinos is a picturesque walking route that follows the path of an old water mill system along the banks of River Nalón.
8. Monte Naranco Natural Park is situated just outside Oviedo and offers hiking trails with panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside – it’s definitely worth checking out!

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Travel And Be Free.

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