Cathedral of San Salvador

The Cathedral of San Salvador is a large cathedral situated in the centre of Oviedo, in the Asturias region of northern Spain.

The primitive cathedral was built between 791-842 by order of King Alfonso II The Chaste, and the present day construction sits on the primitive IX century basilica, which was rebuilt through the XIV and XV centuries in a late Gothic style.

The architecture has elements of many époques:


Pre-Romanesque: on the upper floor of the Holy Chamber (The Chapel of San Miguel) the Apostolate sculpture group is to be found, as well as the Jewels of the Asturian monarchy (The Cross of Victory, The Cross of the Angels, The Agates’ Box, etc.) and the Holy Coffer with its relics. The XI century Romanesque tower of the old basilica may still be seen.

Gothic: it has three naves, the transept and the Gothic tower finished in the XVI century. It also has the cloister, the chapter room with its choral seating (it was the old assembly room of the General Council), and the door of the Chaste King’s Chapel. The XVI century altarpiece depicts scenes from the Asturian Kings.

Renaissance and Baroque: in the ambulatory and the side chapels. Especially in the Baroque chapel of the Chaste King (XVIII century), pantheon of the Asturian Kings.