Oviedo: Guided Tour of the Cathedral

The Oviedo Cathedral stands as a captivating jewel in the heart of northern Spain, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its rich history and architectural marvels. A guided tour provides an engaging 1.5-hour journey, allowing guests to discover the cathedral’s treasures, from the Sancta Ovetensis to the Camara Santa and its relics from the Camino de Santiago. As the knowledgeable guide unveils the secrets of this important pilgrimage site, visitors can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and a desire to delve deeper into the cathedral’s fascinating past.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Tours In Oviedo.

Key Points

• The guided tour of the Oviedo Cathedral lasts 1.5 hours and is available in Spanish and English.
• Highlights of the tour include the Sancta Ovetensis, the cathedral’s architecture, the Camara Santa, and the relics of the Camino de Santiago.
• The guide provides an overview of the tour highlights, emphasizes the historical significance of the cathedral, and encourages participants to ask questions.
• Visitors can explore the captivating architecture, cloister, crypt, Chapter House, and the Holy Chamber with religious relics during the tour.
• The cathedral is a destination for Camino de Santiago pilgrims, who are drawn to the holy relics such as the Holy Shroud, fragment of the True Cross, and Sudarium of Oviedo.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Information

The guided tour of the Oviedo Cathedral lasts 1.5 hours and is available in both Spanish and English. Visitors can check the tour’s availability to see the starting times.

The tour is suitable for private groups, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights of the tour include discovering the Sancta Ovetensis, admiring the cathedral’s marvellous architecture, and visiting the Camara Santa to see the relics of the Camino de Santiago.

Guests will meet the guide at the cathedral entrance and explore the central nave, stained glass windows, High Altarpiece, cloister, crypt, Pilgrims Cemetery, and Chapter House, as well as the Holy Chamber and its important relics.

Highlights

Visitors can discover the Sancta Ovetensis, marvel at the cathedral’s stunning architecture, and explore the Camara Santa to see the relics of the Camino de Santiago during this guided tour.

The tour showcases the cathedral’s central nave, intricately detailed stained glass windows, and impressive High Altarpiece.

Guests will also visit the cloister, crypt of Santa Leocadia, Pilgrims Cemetery, and Chapter House, providing a comprehensive look at the cathedral’s history and significance.

The highlight of the tour is the Holy Chamber, which houses important religious relics that have drawn pilgrims to Oviedo for centuries.

This guided experience offers an in-depth exploration of the Oviedo Cathedral’s architectural and spiritual wonders.

Meeting the Guide

At the cathedral entrance, the guide eagerly awaits visitors to commence the captivating tour of the Oviedo Cathedral.

The guide introduces themselves and provides an overview of the tour’s highlights, ensuring everyone is ready to embark on the journey.

They emphasize the cathedral’s historical significance, dating back to ancient times when it served as a destination for pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago.

The guide encourages participants to ask questions throughout the tour, fostering an interactive and engaging experience.

With a friendly demeanor and expert knowledge, the guide leads the group inside the cathedral, eager to share the marvels of its architecture and the profound religious relics that reside within.

Exploring the Cathedral

As the guide leads the group inside, they marvel at the cathedral’s captivating architecture, from the soaring vaulted ceilings to the intricate stained glass windows that cast a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the central nave.

The group explores the cloister, where they discover the crypt of Santa Leocadia and the Pilgrims Cemetery, before moving on to the Chapter House.

Next, they venture into the Holy Chamber, home to important relics from the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Throughout the tour, the guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the cathedral’s rich history and significance to life.

The group leaves with a deeper appreciation for the architectural and spiritual wonders of this iconic landmark.

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Pilgrims’ Path

The cathedral’s history as a destination for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago dates back centuries, as it was here that the famous pilgrimage route began during the reign of King Alfonso II the Chaste. Pilgrims have long been drawn to the cathedral’s holy relics, including those housed in the Cámara Santa. Today, visitors can explore the cathedral’s Pilgrims’ Cemetery and learn about the centuries-old tradition of this iconic Spanish pilgrimage.

Cathedral Highlights for Pilgrims
Discover Sancta Ovetensis
Visit the Cámara Santa
See relics of the Camino
Explore the Pilgrims’ Cemetery
Learn about the route’s history

Relics and Chapels

The Oviedo Cathedral houses a treasure trove of holy relics and dedicated chapels that have long drawn pilgrims to this sacred site.

The cathedral’s Holy Chamber contains some of Christianity’s most prized possessions, including:

• The Holy Shroud, believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.
• A fragment of the True Cross, on which Jesus was crucified.
• The Sudarium of Oviedo, a cloth that covered Christ’s face in the tomb.
• Relics of important saints like Saint Eulalia and Saint Leocadia.

These sacred objects, along with the cathedral’s exquisite chapels honoring figures like the Virgin Mary and King Alfonso II, make Oviedo a must-visit destination for spiritual travelers on the Camino de Santiago.

Pricing Details

Visiting the Oviedo Cathedral comes with a range of pricing options to accommodate different budgets and age groups. The standard adult entrance fee is €8, providing access to the cathedral’s central nave, stained glass windows, and the impressive High Altarpiece.

Children under 12 can visit for free, making it an affordable family outing. For those aged 4 to 11, the discounted price is €4. Even the youngest visitors, up to 3 years old, can enter the cathedral at no cost.

Plus, the cathedral itself charges €5 per adult for entrance, though this is included in the guided tour price. With these flexible options, visitors can tailor their experience to suit their needs and budgets.

Oviedo Cathedral’s History

Oviedo Cathedral has been a destination for pilgrims since ancient times, serving as the starting point for the Way of St. James during the reign of King Alfonso II the Chaste. The cathedral houses the image of El Salvador and chapels dedicated to important figures, making it a significant religious site.

It has been a hub for religious devotion and pilgrimage for centuries.

The cathedral’s construction began in the 14th century, reflecting the Gothic architectural style.

Over the years, it has undergone various renovations and expansions to its design.

Today, it remains a cherished landmark and a must-visit destination for those exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The cathedral has ramps and elevators to ensure visitors with mobility needs can fully experience the highlights of the guided tour.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Cathedral?

Visitors can take photos inside the cathedral, but may need to refrain from using flash photography as it can damage the historic artifacts and artwork. Photography rules may vary, so it’s best to check with staff upon arrival.

Is There a Gift Shop or Souvenir Store On-Site?

Yes, the Oviedo Cathedral offers a gift shop and souvenir store on-site where visitors can purchase religious items, postcards, books, and other keepsakes related to the cathedral and the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation for the Tour?

According to the information provided, there is availability for the tour, but visitors are recommended to check availability to see the starting times. A reservation may be required to secure a spot on the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the cathedral offers discounted admission for students and seniors. Students with a valid ID can get the adult visit for €6, while seniors aged 65+ pay €6 as well.

Recap

The Oviedo Cathedral’s guided tour offers visitors a chance to explore the site’s rich history and architectural marvels.

From the Sancta Ovetensis to the Camara Santa, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for this important pilgrimage destination along the Camino de Santiago.

Whether exploring the cloister, crypt, or High Altarpiece, the tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: