Oviedo Cathedral

Built on the site of an earlier pre-Romanesque church, the Cathedral began to take shape in the 13th century and blends Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles. Inside is the Cámara Santa (Holy Chamber), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to unique relics such as the Holy Shroud.

A cathedral with a thousand-year-old soul

The Cathedral’s origins date back to the 9th century, when King Alfonso II the Chaste had a temple built to house relics brought from the Holy Land. On top of that first pre-Romanesque church — of which the Cámara Santa still survives — the imposing Gothic structure we see today was raised between the 13th and 16th centuries.

Walking through its interior is like stepping into history: from the star-ribbed vault of the central nave to the side chapels full of sculptural detail and sacred paintings. The main altarpiece, in Renaissance style, and the carved wooden Gothic choir are among its greatest treasures.

Cámara Santa: a unique treasure of Christianity

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cámara Santa is a small 9th-century chapel that holds some of the most venerated objects in Christianity, such as the Cross of Victory, a symbol of Asturias, and the Holy Shroud, said by tradition to have covered Christ’s face after the crucifixion.

Cathedral and the Camino: the origin of a great route

King Alfonso II was history’s first pilgrim. He set out from Oviedo towards Galicia on hearing of the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle James, and his journey marked the beginning of the Camino de Santiago. That’s why Oviedo’s cathedral is the first great milestone for many pilgrims before they continue on to Compostela.

Beyond its spiritual richness, the Cathedral also offers an exceptional artistic and cultural experience:

• Its Gothic tower, visible from much of the city

• The Renaissance cloister, ideal for a quiet stroll

• The Church Museum, with liturgical objects, codices and sacred art

• The Gothic portico, where every carved figure tells a story