Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco

The site in itself is stunning! Nevertheless, it is awfully managed for a UNESCO site. You can visit it only with a guided tour, which is in Spanish only, and whose schedule is not listed anywhere. As the site is very small, there is no real need for a guide, in my opinion, but for pamphlets and brochures in Spanish and other languages. Apart from this, the guide does not offer any real information, but reminds you all the time not to touch anything inside (it's one small hall with bare walls and columns) and literally locks the visiting group in so that the tourists wanting to get in cannot do it 🫣 Totally recommend visiting the site, it's an extraordinaty piece of architecture and a great view, but skip the guided tour.

Construction on Iglesia de Santa Maria del Naranco began in the 9th century. This unesco world heritage site was originally a palace used for recreational purposes and transitioned to a church three centuries later. It is extremely emblematic of Pre-Romanesque architecture, which the region in Asturias around Oviedo is known for. Pay attention to the details inside the church /palace where the carvings reveal animals, people and other symbols. The balconies on either side of the church / palace are also excellent for observing details of the columns. Guided tours of Santa Maria del Naranco cost €5, last from 30-45 minutes and are in Spanish. The entrance fee includes entry to the neighboring church. Highly recommend visiting, especially going on the guided tour. The walk up to Santa Maria del Naranco is rewarding though it is possible to drive up too.

It is a representative example of the unique Asturian Pre-Romanesque style. Built around 848 AD under the orders of King Ramiro I, the structure was originally a Royal Palace but was later converted into a church. Some scholars even consider this building to be one of the origins of medieval European palace architecture. While the exterior lacks elaborate sculptural decoration, the interior is distinguished by intricate column decorations and semicircular arches. From the loggia at either end of the building, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city of Oviedo and Mount Naranco. Since access to the interior is only possible through a guided tour, it is recommended to arrive early and queue accordingly. Please note that the guide speaks only Spanish.

Pre-romanic style only available in Asturias zone. Green enviroment. Poor timetable to visit the inside.

It’s my first time visiting Oviedo, and I made sure to see the centuries-old Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco. It’s fascinating to witness something that has existed for thousands of years.

There is no school history book that does not have this cover. We have all studied his art or heard about it. A clear example of a civil building (palace) accommodated as a 9th century church. Essential visit for lovers of art and history in Oviedo. Nearby public parking and if you are an early riser almost at the door. Joint entry with Lillo.

It's a hike up of the guts on an hour to see this exquisitely situated pre romanic church, but on a beautiful day it's well worth the effort. I didn't get to see inside, as you have to be there in the morning, but a did get to see it, in all its glory basking in the afternoon sun.

Truly unique and beautiful. My issue is that the site is not managed very well. The experience could be greatly improved by having 2 employees (one at each site) and a pamphlet you can read about the structure. It would avoid forcing visitors who have already arrived to wait over an hour for the next unpublished guided tour time. For a UNESCO site the lack of access is disheartening