Cathedral of San Salvador and Alfonso II Square

Chapter 5/9 · Oviedo

This is the Cathedral of San Salvador, in Gothic style. Building began at the end of the 13th century and took three centuries; the Gothic tower went up in the 16th century: it was considered finished in 1551, but lightning destroyed the spire in 1575, and the present one was completed in 1587. It stands on a pre-Romanesque complex from the 9th century, some parts of which survive.

Inside is the Holy Chamber, the Cámara Santa, from the 9th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It keeps the Cross of Victory, a symbol of Asturias, and the Cross of the Angels, a symbol of Oviedo. The cathedral is also part of the Primitive Way of Saint James, recognised by UNESCO in 2015.

In the square you will see the bronze sculpture of La Regenta, by Mauro Álvarez, from 1997. It represents Ana Ozores, the heroine of Clarín’s novel. Right next to it is the church of San Tirso el Real, founded by Alfonso II in the 9th century; of the original church only the east wall remains.

Now we walk down to the Town Hall square.

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