OVIEDO
Capital of the “Principality of Asturias” takes its origins in the 8th century. Holds the titles of “So noble, so loyal,meritorious,unconquered, heroic and kind city of Oviedo”, as it shows a plate on the City Hall building.
It´s the commercial and business capital, and the Administration and University centre.
At present, Oviedo is also a city with a more than remarkable international hold thanks to the annual presentation of the “Prince Philip” Awards held at a solemn ceremony in The Campoamor theatre, and attended by relevant personalities from all over the world.
Many monuments in Oviedo and its surroundings have been declared “World Heritage” by UNESCO between 1985 and 1988:
- San Miguel de Lillo – Pre-Romanesque from the 9th century.
- Santa María del Naranco – Pre-Romanesque from the 9th century.
- Holy Chamber at Oviedo Cathedral.
- San Julián de los Prados Church.
- La Foncalada – Water Spring from the 9th century.
- Santa Cristina de Lena (at Pola de Lena).
For more information about the city, you can visit the Oficial Web Page (http://turismo.ayto-oviedo.es)
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
The administrative, social and commercial capital of the Autonomous Community of Galicia; declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO thanks to its multicultural nature and as the final destination of a thousand-year-old pilgrim route: the Way of St. James, which, since the 9th century, has transformed this city into a meeting place of Western faith and thinking.
Santiago de Compostela is a stone jewel in the middle of the green forests of Northwest Spain and the nearby Galician “rias”. A Romanesque cathedral arose there, with the following centuries adding the sobriety of the Renaissance style and the majesty of a Baroque style that eventually characterised the city’s monumental image, made from the granite of its monasteries, its pilgrim hospitals, its numerous churches, its stately houses and its squares, where time stands still.
This setting is alive with cultural expressions – annual music, cinema and theatre festivals, permanent and travelling exhibitions and traditional festivals- organised by the public and private sector, led by the five-hundred-year-old University of Santiago, with over 30000 students.
The city’s visitors will find its treasures exhibited in thirteen museums as well as the richness of the contemporary architecture, surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens.
For more information about the city, you can visit the Oficial Web Page (
http://www.santiagoturismo.com)
