Oviedo, Spain

Plaza del Fontán in Oviedo, Spain
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lateral_Font%C3%A1n.JPG
Author: Sitomon


Oviedo (Asturian: Uviéu) is the capital of the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain. It is the city as well as the surrounding municipality, which covers 18,665 sq km (7,207 sq mi) and has a population of 224,000 people (2012 estimate).

Oviedo is said to have been founded in AD 761 by two monks, Máximo and Fromestanus, although evidence shows that human habitation goes back earlier, to at least the 1st century AD. Under King Fruela I, Oviedo developed into a major settlement, as the king built a palace and a church in the area.

In the 9th century, Oviedo was chosen to be the capital of Asturias by King Alfonso II The Chaste. This is partly due to the creation of the Pilgrim's Route to Santiago de Compostela.

Cathedral of Oviedo
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oviedo_Church.jpg
Author: Drew

Places of Interest in Oviedo