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Monument · Oviedo, Astúrias
Santa María del Naranco
Old palace of King Ramiro I, built around 842 on Monte Naranco and later converted into a church; a masterpiece of Asturian pre‑Romanesque and a World Heritage site.
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 Santa María del Naranco
Santa María del Naranco sits on the southern slope of monte Naranco, about 3 km from Oviedo city centre, with views over the city. It was built in the 840s by order of King Ramiro I das Astúrias, who reigned from 842 to 850, on land he owned outside the capital.
The building was not made to be a church. The most accepted theory is that it was the main hall of a complex of royal palaces; other suggestions include a hunting pavilion, royal residence or mausoleum. Only later did it become a church dedicated to Santa María, and it received additions that were removed in the 1930s, when the building returned to its original form.
It is a rectangular two-storey building, with a stone vault, external buttresses and large open viewpoints at the ends, with arches on columns. The upper floor has columns with carved ropes and decorated stone medallions. The style, called ramirense, is one of the most original of High Middle Ages art.
The monument is a World Heritage site and is visited with a guide, together with San Miguel de Lillo, a few metres away.
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 45 minutes to 1 hour, with the guided tour.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, for the city view. Visits are guided and have set times; check before you go.
How to get there
It is on monte Naranco, about 3 km from the centre, served by the city bus. On foot, by the uphill route from the train station, in about 40 minutes.
Tip
Go out to the open viewpoint on the upper floor: the view of Oviedo with the cathedral tower is the same the king had more than a thousand years ago.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Santa María del Naranco
Was Santa María del Naranco built as a church?
No. All evidence indicates it was the noble hall of a palace of King Ramiro I, built around 842, and only later converted into a church.
How to visit Santa María del Naranco?
By guided tour, together with San Miguel de Lillo. Check the opening times before you go.
What is the ramirense style?
The Asturian pre-Romanesque style from the time of King Ramiro I, in the 9th century, featuring stone vaults, columns with carved rope motifs and medallions.