Catedral De San Salvador

Asturias

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DESTINATIONS spain asturias Do & See Catedral De San Salvador

Catedral De San Salvador

Oviedo’s Cathedral combines Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance elements. Its 15th-century spire looms over a medieval basilica built by the first prince of Asturias. The cathedral as a whole was finally completed in the 16th century, after more than 250 years of construction work. The main altarpiece, depicting the life of Christ, is in Flemish Gothic style. The cloister is home to the Diocesan Museum, with a number of important archaeological relics.

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Relics of earlier eras are scattered in and around the cities, including many pre-Romanesque churches and other buildings dating back to the 8th and the 10th centuries, when Asturias was one of the few regions of Christian Spain to remain unconquered by the Moors, who occupied most parts of the Iberian Peninsula. The region was a cradle of prehistoric civilisation, and remarkable cave paintings may be seen at the Cueva de Tito Bustillo in Ribadesella. Almost one-third of the region has been designated as a region of outstanding natural beauty, and four nature reserves have been given UNESCO Biosphere status.