Brimming with pretty squares, lively cider bars ("sidrerías"), stunning natural surroundings and architecture dating back as far as the 8th century, the small - but not too small - city of Oviedo makes for a wonderful destination to study Spanish.
Archaeological artifacts indicate the site's occupation as far back as Roman times, though local legend says that Oviedo was founded in the mid-8th centuries by a pair of monks. It grew to become an important religious center and the capital of the then-kingdom of Asturias at a time when Spain was almost entirely under Muslim control.
Cut off from the influences of the rest of Christian Europe, the region of Asturias - centered around Oviedo - had to fend for itself, which led to the development of the region's own unique style of architecture. This style, called pre-Romanesque, is considered a precursor to the Spanish Romanesque and Gothic styles and explains why the Spanish strains of these later European styles were different than in the rest of Europe. Some of Oviedo's pre-Romanesque treasures are the San Miguel de Lillo and Santa María del Naranco Churches, the San Vicente Monastery and the Foncalada Fountain, the only preserved pre-Romanesque civil work in all of Europe.
Traipsing around Oviedo's atmospheric and almost entirely pedestrianized Old Quarter is extremely pleasant, thanks to the wealth of historic sites, lively bars, inviting squares and charming old streets. It's here that the city's liveliest bars, cutest shops and tastiest restaurants are found tucked between the mix of convents, churches, cathedrals and buildings spanning the many centuries of Oviedo's past.
Want more information about Oviedo? Have a look at our Oviedo Guide
Study Spanish in Oviedo
While Enforex has dozens of schools in cities throughout Spain and Latin America, we do not currently have any programs to study Spanish in Oviedo. However, click on the page below and discover all of our great Spanish-speaking destinations!