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OVIEDO CATHEDRAL
A wounded and restored cathedral
Throughout the 20th century, the cathedral was
not immune to the conflicts of its time. In 1934,
during the Asturian Revolution, a bomb severely
damaged the Cámara Santa, prompting a meticu-
lous restoration that extended beyond the end of
the Civil War.
In the following decades, various consolidation and
restoration works were carried out. At the end of
the 20th century, the cathedral was included in the
National Cathedral Plan, and between 1998 and
2002, a general restoration of the complex was un-
dertaken. More recently, the tower has undergone
cleaning and rehabilitation, and it has been ope-
ned to the public as a viewpoint over the city
Symbol of Oviedo, milestone on
the Camino
Oviedo Cathedral is not merely a place of wor-
ship: it is a symbol of identity, an architectural
jewel, and a pilgrimage destination. Since the Mi-
ddle Ages, pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago
have stopped here to venerate its relics before
continuing on to Compostela. The medieval sa-
ying “He who goes to Santiago but not to the Sa-
viour visits the servant and not the Lord” attests
to its significance.
Its solitary tower, far from being a shortcoming, is
a signature. While other cathedrals display sym-
metry and predictability, Oviedo looks skyward
with a single voice of stone. A unique voice, so-
ber, proud—like Asturias itself.
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Statue of Alfonso II the Chaste (Asturian Monarchy, 8th–9th century)
First scene of the third
tier of the Main Altar-
piece of Oviedo Ca-
thedral. Undoubtedly
the highest sculptural
level of the work. It
depicts the devil offe-
ring stones to Jesus to
turn them into bread
(the sin of gluttony).
Particularly striking is
the transformation of
the leg into a reptilian
limb, representing the
many faces of evil.