Monasterio de San Vicente (San Vicente Monastery), Oviedo
The San Vicente Monastery, beyond being a remarkable architectural treasure鈥攊t is the cradle of the city itself. According to the famed 鈥淢onastic Pact of Oviedo鈥� historical document, dated November 25, 781, two monks鈥擬谩ximo and Fromestano鈥攕ettled on the site as early as 761 and established a basilica dedicated to Saint Vincent, marking the point around which Oviedo would grow. Though the original document may have been copied in the 12th century and its authenticity debated by historians, the monastery鈥檚 foundational importance remains widely acknowledged.
Over the centuries, this site underwent dramatic transformations. Its early Romanesque structure was largely rebuilt during the 11th and 12th centuries, and further renovations over time effectively erased much of its medieval form. The stunning cloister you see today, however, dates to the 16th century and exemplifies a harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles: the ground floor features twenty elegantly vaulted arches, while the upper gallery is adorned with richly carved columns, capitals, and decorative motifs.
Since 1952, the monastery鈥檚 cloister has housed the Archaeological Museum of Asturias, one of the region鈥檚 premier museums. Visitors can wander through archaeological collections spanning the Paleolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman era, and medieval Asturian Pre鈥慠omanesque and Romanesque art鈥攊ncluding notable artifacts such as pre鈥慍hristian sarcophagi, altar stones, and epigraphy from sites like Saint Michael of Lillo and Saint Mary of Naranco. A fascinating exhibit also highlights the figure of Fray Benito Jer贸nimo Feij贸o, the Enlightenment-era Benedictine abbot who lived and worked here for decades.
Today, the monastery鈥檚 church of San Vicente remains in religious use as the Parish of Santa Mar铆a la Real de la Corte, while the rest serves cultural purposes.
Over the centuries, this site underwent dramatic transformations. Its early Romanesque structure was largely rebuilt during the 11th and 12th centuries, and further renovations over time effectively erased much of its medieval form. The stunning cloister you see today, however, dates to the 16th century and exemplifies a harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles: the ground floor features twenty elegantly vaulted arches, while the upper gallery is adorned with richly carved columns, capitals, and decorative motifs.
Since 1952, the monastery鈥檚 cloister has housed the Archaeological Museum of Asturias, one of the region鈥檚 premier museums. Visitors can wander through archaeological collections spanning the Paleolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman era, and medieval Asturian Pre鈥慠omanesque and Romanesque art鈥攊ncluding notable artifacts such as pre鈥慍hristian sarcophagi, altar stones, and epigraphy from sites like Saint Michael of Lillo and Saint Mary of Naranco. A fascinating exhibit also highlights the figure of Fray Benito Jer贸nimo Feij贸o, the Enlightenment-era Benedictine abbot who lived and worked here for decades.
Today, the monastery鈥檚 church of San Vicente remains in religious use as the Parish of Santa Mar铆a la Real de la Corte, while the rest serves cultural purposes.
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Monasterio de San Vicente (San Vicente Monastery) on Map
Sight Name: Monasterio de San Vicente (San Vicente Monastery)
Sight Location: Oviedo, Spain (See walking tours in Oviedo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oviedo, Spain (See walking tours in Oviedo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oviedo, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Oviedo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Oviedo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Oviedo Historic Architecture
The north Spanish region of Asturias and particularly its capital city, Oviedo, have long been noted for their unique architecture. The medieval part of town, whose ancient walls are still largely intact, contains some truly priceless relics. Among them is a well called La Foncalada, a fascinating example of an effective hydraulic system, dating back to the first half of the 9th century, based on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Oviedo Introduction Walking Tour
The Kingdom of Asturias began in 720, with the Visigothic revolt against Muslim rule led by the nobleman Pelagius. At that time, the city of Oviedo did not exist. Two monks, Maximo and Fromestano, founded the city in 761. They built a small church for Saint Vincent on a bare hillside, and from this seed, Oviedo grew.
After Pelagius died in 737, King Alfonso I founded a dynasty in Oviedo that... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
After Pelagius died in 737, King Alfonso I founded a dynasty in Oviedo that... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Oviedo Public Art Walking Tour
Public art adds a great deal of vibrancy and character to the cityscape of Oviedo, Spain, reflecting, among other things, its contemporary spirit. From the bustling Plaza Trascorrales to the serene Plaza Porlier De Oviedo, numerous sculptures have long become an integral part of the neighborhood, captivating passers-by in their numbers.
In Plaza Trascorrales, sculptures like The Fishwife and... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
In Plaza Trascorrales, sculptures like The Fishwife and... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles