Church of San Miguel de Lillo

A beautiful and well-maintained monument—rich in history and definitely worth a visit. It’s a great piece of heritage that stands out. Just a heads-up: there’s no parking nearby, so plan ahead. Otherwise, a lovely spot!

Originally a much larger church, part of it collapsed due to a landslide in the 12th century. The remaining sections of the structure were preserved, with some of the fallen parts reattached. Like Santa María del Naranco, it was built around 848 AD and originally served as a royal chapel for King Ramiro I. The building follows the Asturian Pre-Romanesque style, featuring notable reliefs and carvings on the stone doorframes and walls. Inside, there are Byzantine-style murals and decorations. Photography is not allowed inside. Since access to the interior is only possible through a guided tour, so it is advisable to queue in front of Santa María del Naranco first, and visit this church afterward at the appropriate time. Keep in mind that the guide speaks only Spanish.

Known as “Samiguel de Lliño” in the local dialect, Iglesia San Miguel de Lillo was built in the mid-800s. This historic church, which is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its pre-Romanesque architecture & history, can be visited in conjunction with guided tours of the neighboring church / palace Iglesia Santa Maria del Naranco (€4 entrance fee for guided tour of both churches that lasts 30 to 45 minutes). It is a small church that has intricate carvings similar to the ones at the neighboring church and also has remains of a mural that depict shapes and humans. Photography is not permitted inside the church and carrying bags / backpacks (anything that can accidentally touch the walls) is discouraged. The walk from Iglesia Santa Maria del Naranco is less than five minutes; the walk from the center of Oviedo is approximately an hour - there are nice views of the city if you walk up though it is possible to drive.

for the history geeks: this church was rebuilt 3 times due to corrosion by the nearby river, which is now a stream. materials from the leftover construction of the main oviedo cathedral in the city centre was used in the latest rebuilt thus you will be able to find intriguing and unexpected visuals if you look closer and examine carefully with your imagination - see the bearded figure I found that looks like its pouring cider? 😉

Unfortunately, it is not possible to take photos inside this amazing 8th century church. There are guided tours in Spanish (tickets are available at the Santa Maria del Naranco church)

This is so impressive to see such an old Church w

Excellent preromanic church just a stones throw from Santa Maria de Naranco, beautifully situated in the hills overlooking Oviedo. You can take a guided tour of both churches for four euros with a local guide and see their interior. San Miguel has frescos similar to San Juan de Los Prados as well as from later epochs. Tour is highly recommended.

Beautiful, lovely small romanic church, in a amazing spot not far away from Oviedo. Unbelievable sunset