Added: 04/27/2006 |
Holidays in Oviedo -- Northern Spain's Awesome Little SecretOviedo is the capital of the Principality of Asturias. Its central area is 227 meters high above sea-level, protected from the Northern wind by Mount Naranco. In the South you'll find the Aramo Range. Oviedo is a small city of 210,000 full of history, with a very interesting Casco Antiguo, neighborhoods to take walks through, a beautiful park and a mountain nearby, with an enormous stone statue of Christ which can be seen from afar and from which it is possible to see the entire city.
It is a beautiful, clean, and safe city. The Oviedo University's International Campus also attracts many foreign scholars. The University of Oviedo plays an important role in Oviedo's atmosphere and gives it a more cultured and interesting profile.
The city also hosts the annual Prince of Asturias Awards, held in the Campoamor Theatre. The ceremony is probably the most important public event in Oviedo. The awards are given by Prince Don Felipe de Borbon, his wife Donna Letizia, and the queen Donna Sofia. The award has existed since 1981 in the areas of Communication and Humanities, Social Sciences, Art, Scientific and Technical Investigation, International Cooperation, Concordia, and Sports.
The visitors can find many interesting historic attractions in Oviedo. Gothic cathedral is one of the top attractions in Oviedo, and it was built from 1348 to the end of the 15th century. The cathedral's Camara Santa, which dates back to the 9th century, is famous for the Cross of Don Pelayo; the Cross of the Victory; and the Cross of the Angels.
Museo Arqueologico is housed in a former convent that dates back to the 15th century. It exhibits prehistoric relics found in Asturias; pre-Romanesque sculptures; a numismatic display; and old musical instruments.
Santa Maria del Naranco is one the most famous examples of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture, and was once a 9th century palace and hunting lodge of Ramiro I. The palace was turned into a church in the 12th century, and has intricate stonework that shows hunting scenes and barrel vaulting on a network of blind arches. There are also some outstanding restaurants in Oviedo.
La Maquina, a farmhouse style restaurant located just out of town, is very popular with locals and tourist alike. They serve a wide range of traditional regional dishes, as well as some Spanish favorites. The food is excellent and the prices are quite reasonable. El Raitan is one of the best restaurants in Oviedo to go to if you're looking to sample some of the best regional dishes, accompanied by wines from the La Rioia.
If you're looking for lodging in Oviedo there's plenty of find hotels here. La Gruta Hotel provides 105 rooms and 4 suites fully equipped with air conditioning, TV, bathroom, radio and phone. Here you'll also find banqueting halls, conference rooms and exhibition Halls. Hotel amenities include parking, medical service and room service. This property also boasts an outstanding location and spectacular view of Asturias.
Famous for handbags and shoes, Oviedo is also a good place to go shopping.
Whatever it is you desire from your vacation, you'll find in Oviedo!
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