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Church · Oviedo, Astúrias
San Miguel de Lillo
Palatine church of King Ramiro I on monte Naranco, from the 9th century, of which one third remains, with reliefs of acrobats and mural paintings; World Heritage.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About San Miguel de Lillo
San Miguel de Lillo is a few metres from Santa María del Naranco, on monte Naranco. It was built by King Ramiro I in the 9th century, probably as the church of the palace complex mentioned in contemporary chronicles, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel.
Originally the church had a basilica plan with three naves, but only about one third of its length survives: the rest collapsed between the 13th and 14th centuries, likely due to the ground. Remaining are the vestibule, with the royal gallery on the upper floor, and the beginnings of the three naves, with an apse added later.
The details are the most striking: the openwork stone windows, the carved ropes on the columns and, on the door jambs, reliefs with acrobats, a lion tamer and a Roman consul, copied from a Roman ivory. Inside there are remnants of mural paintings, including the figure of a musician.
The church has been a World Heritage site since 1985 and underwent restoration works in 2011.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 20 to 30 minutes, with the guided tour.
Best time
Together with Santa María del Naranco, at the guided visit times; check before you go.
How to get there
It is on monte Naranco, about 300 metres from Santa María del Naranco, roughly 3 km from Oviedo centre.
Tip
Look at the door jambs: the acrobats and the lion tamer are copies of a Roman ivory.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about San Miguel de Lillo
Why is San Miguel de Lillo so small?
Because only about one third of the original church survives; the rest collapsed between the 13th and 14th centuries.
What to see in San Miguel de Lillo?
The stone latticed windows, reliefs of acrobats on the door jambs and fragments of mural paintings.
Is San Miguel de Lillo a World Heritage Site?
Yes, since 1985, together with the other Asturian pre-Romanesque monuments.