{"id":39690,"date":"2025-05-14T18:23:06","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T16:23:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.winalist.fr\/blog?p=39690"},"modified":"2026-04-20T11:42:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T09:42:46","slug":"oviedo-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/spain\/asturias\/oviedo-things-to-do","title":{"rendered":"Top Things to Do in Oviedo: Culture, Wine, and Northern Charm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Get ready to fall for Oviedo, a city where medieval streets, world-class cheese, and centuries of history collide in the heart of Asturias. Oviedo is your perfect weekend escape (or longer, if you can swing it), tucked between lush hills and the salty breeze of northern Spain. Wondering what things to do in Oviedo? Start by getting lost in its charming old town, snap pics of UNESCO-listed churches, then reward yourself with a long lunch featuring chicken dishes and cider. Or better yet, join an Asturias wine tour <\/a>and let the local reds and whites do the talking. This guide is your pass to the city. Whether you're walking the Camino de Santiago or just here for the vibes and the vino, you\u2019ll find enough history, gastronomy, and good humor to fill a dozen itineraries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the best things to do and see in Oviedo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wander at Santa Mar\u00eda del Naranco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Santa Mar\u00eda del Naranco is indeed a must-see when visiting Oviedo. Originally built in the 9th century as a royal palace for King Ramiro I, it was later converted into a church. This remarkable monument is one of the finest and most iconic examples of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture<\/strong>. Perched on the slopes of Mount Naranco, just a few minutes from Oviedo\u2019s city center, it offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
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Visit San Miguel de Lillo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Just a short walk from Santa Mar\u00eda del Naranco, the Church of San Miguel de Lillo<\/strong> is another treasure of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture. Built in the mid-9th century under King Ramiro I, this partially ruined chapel was originally larger but collapsed centuries ago due to structural issues, what remains is still stunning. Its intricate stone carvings and historic atmosphere offer a glimpse into the spiritual and royal legacy of Oviedo\u2019s golden age. Whether you\u2019re following the Camino Primitivo<\/strong> or just out for a scenic morning walk, this hillside site makes for a peaceful and rewarding stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore the Archaeological Museum of Asturias<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step inside a 16th-century Benedictine monastery and time-travel through thousands of years at the Archaeological Museum of Asturias<\/strong>. Right in the heart of Oviedo, this museum is your go-to spot for digging into the region\u2019s prehistoric roots, Iberian cultures, and medieval milestones. From ancient tools and Roman mosaics to Visigothic treasures, the exhibits are thoughtfully curated to keep things both educational and surprisingly entertaining. If you're the type who enjoys a bit of history with your holiday, this is the perfect low-key cultural escape, rainy day or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Walk to Oviedo Cathedral and the Gothic Masterpiece<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Built over several centuries and blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, the Cathedral of Oviedo<\/strong> is the city\u2019s crown jewel. Step inside to explore the C\u00e1mara Santa<\/strong>, a UNESCO-listed chapel housing sacred relics and the tomb of King Alfonso II, one of the first pilgrims to Santiago. If you're into history, architecture, or just love a dramatic bit of stonework, this cathedral delivers. Don\u2019t miss the delicate cloisters or the intricate fa\u00e7ade, every corner tells a story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Admire Oviedo\u2019s sculpture scene with La Regenta <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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As you wander through Oviedo, keep your eyes peeled; this city is an open-air museum. Its famous sculpture trail<\/strong> features over 100 bronze statues scattered throughout the streets. From La Regenta<\/strong>, poised elegantly in front of the cathedral, to a surprise cameo by Woody Allen<\/strong> near Plaza del Font\u00e1n, each statue adds charm, character, and a touch of whimsy to the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sample cider the local way in El Font\u00e1n Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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El Font\u00e1n isn\u2019t just a market, it\u2019s where Oviedo\u2019s soul spills into the streets. On Saturdays, the square buzzes with stalls selling handmade crafts, fresh produce, and Asturian specialties. It\u2019s the perfect place to pick up local flavors or simply soak in the atmosphere. Grab a seat at a nearby caf\u00e9 and order a glass of sidra natural<\/em>, Oviedo\u2019s iconic cider, famously poured from high to aerate the drink and enhance its crisp taste. If you want to sip it like a local, this is the spot to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit the Artistic Plaza de Trascorrales<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Plaza de Trascorrales is Oviedo\u2019s most bohemian little secret, and you\u2019re going to love it. Tucked away in the old town, this charming square is framed by brightly painted buildings and dotted with quirky bronze sculptures (don\u2019t miss the fish seller!). It\u2019s the kind of place where you sit down for a coffee and accidentally stay for hours. With its creative energy and cozy caf\u00e9s, it\u2019s the perfect spot to slow down, people-watch, and fall a little more in love with Oviedo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the best things to do around Oviedo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Explore the wines and landscapes of Asturias<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Asturias may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Spanish wine, but its viticultural history runs surprisingly deep. The region\u2019s primary wine-producing area, Cangas del Narcea<\/strong>, dates back to Roman times and was later revived by monastic orders in the Middle Ages. Today, it\u2019s part of the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) Cangas, known for heroic winemaking<\/strong> on steep, mountainous terrain. While Asturias remains a niche player compared to Rioja or Ribera del Duero, it adds depth to the story of wineries in Spain<\/a>, offering an intimate, off-the-beaten-path wine experience rooted in heritage and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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