|
Among the National heritage
that Oviedo hosts, there are quite a few buildings and constructions
of Preromanic style, which is unique in the world, therefore, all
these constructions were granted the title of Heritage of Humanity
by the UNESCO in 1985.
Other cultural and historical assets of Oviedo’s heritage are
the archaeological caves of “La Lluera I and II” in Las
Caldas with several paintings of horses, bisons and other animals,
and the archaeological site of “La Viña” in the
mountain of Berrubia.
El prerrománico
The Preromanic style develops throughout three
periods coinciding with the reign of three different kings, although
it is previously heralded in the church of Santianes in Pravia in
the VIII century (years 774-783).
Ramirense period: king Ramiro I in the IX century (year 842-850).
Examples of Preromamic are “Santa María del Naranco”
and “San Miguel de Lillo” in Oviedo and, “Santa
María de Lena” in Lena.
Period of King Alfonso III: IX-X centuries
(years 866-910). Example of Preromanic style: The fountain of Foncalada
being the only civil construction which still survives.
The Gothic style is present in the city of Oviedo being the cathedral
its most representative monument. It was built between the XV –XVI
centuries and, as well as the altarpiece, it houses the Relic of the
Cross of the Angels, the Cross of the Victory, the Chest of Agates,
the Turin Shroud and other works of religious art.
There are other important monuments like the Reconquest Hotel which
used to be a hospice and today is an important part in the celebrations
of the Principe de Asturias award-giving. There is also a large number
of ancestral homes and palaces and convents. The old quarters of the
city are well preserved nowadays and some of its buildings have been
turned into museum. In the more rural areas there still typical Asturian
houses with Hórreos.
Aside from the monumental heritage, the Oviedo (Vetusta) of the end
of the XVIII century has been immortalized by the famous writer Leopoldo
Alas Clarín (1952-1901) with his universal novel “La
Regenta”.
Oviedo can boast of having activities of cultural interest like theatre,
opera, art galleries and other artistic happenings but the most outstanding
one is the Principe of Asturias Prize Given awarded to the greatest
exponent of culture, science, humanities and, sports and its respective
characteristics having become through the years the second ones in
worldwide importance just after the Nobel prizes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
