San Pedro de los Arcos Church
A neo-Romanesque church with a striking pink stone exterior, set on a scenic hillside overlooking Oviedo, offering historical intrigue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Golden hour glow
San Pedro de los Arcos Church
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A neo-Romanesque church with a striking pink stone exterior, set on a scenic hillside overlooking Oviedo, offering historical intrigue.
"Came across this local parish church by chance, just after the train station, on the way up the hill to Naranco. It had the most exquisite pink stone exterior."
📸 Capture the Sunset
The church offers a beautiful backdrop for sunset photos. Plan your visit accordingly for stunning golden hour shots.
🌸 Admire the Magnolias
If visiting in spring, the blooming magnolia trees add a special charm to the church's setting.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exquisite Pink Stone Exterior
Exterior of the church
Admire the striking pink stone facade, a unique architectural feature that stands out against the natural surroundings.
Scenic Hillside Location
Slopes of Naranco
Enjoy the church's prominent position on the hill, offering pleasant views and a serene atmosphere, especially with blooming magnolia trees.
Historical Echoes
Church grounds
Reflect on the site's potential ancient origins, with whispers of Visigothic chapels predating the current neo-Romanesque structure.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Sunset
The church offers a beautiful backdrop for sunset photos. Plan your visit accordingly for stunning golden hour shots.
🌸 Admire the Magnolias
If visiting in spring, the blooming magnolia trees add a special charm to the church's setting.
🚶 Combine with Naranco
This church is conveniently located near the Pre-Romanesque churches of Naranco and Santa María del Naranco.
🧐 Look for Historical Clues
The site may have older foundations; keep an eye out for any historical markers or information.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Sunset
The church offers a beautiful backdrop for sunset photos. Plan your visit accordingly for stunning golden hour shots.
🌸 Admire the Magnolias
If visiting in spring, the blooming magnolia trees add a special charm to the church's setting.
🚶 Combine with Naranco
This church is conveniently located near the Pre-Romanesque churches of Naranco and Santa María del Naranco.
🧐 Look for Historical Clues
The site may have older foundations; keep an eye out for any historical markers or information.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the San Pedro de los Arcos Church for its beautiful pink stone exterior and its picturesque setting on the hillside, especially when surrounded by blooming magnolia trees. The church's historical context, with potential links to earlier structures, also adds to its appeal. Some reviewers noted that they didn't get to see the interior, suggesting that checking opening times is advisable.
"Came across this local parish church by chance, just after the train station, on the way up the hill to Naranco. It had the most exquisite pink stone exterior. Unfortunately didn't get to have a look inside."
Stuart McCleane
"Very beautiful church and the place around it"
Olga S
"Sunset at San Pedro's church"
Greg Tower
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Pedro de los Arcos Church is located on the slopes of Naranco, near the train station. You can reach it by a short taxi ride or a brisk walk uphill from the city center. It's often visited in conjunction with the Pre-Romanesque churches of Naranco and Santa María del Naranco, so consider planning a route that includes all three.
While direct bus routes might be limited, local buses serving the Naranco area can get you close. It's advisable to check current Asturian public transport schedules for the most convenient options.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is likely parking available near the church, especially if you are visiting during off-peak hours. The drive up the hill offers scenic views of Oviedo.
While the Camino Primitivo passes through Oviedo, San Pedro de los Arcos Church is not directly on the main pilgrim route. However, it's a worthwhile detour for those exploring the city and its surroundings.
Many visitors combine a visit to San Pedro de los Arcos Church with the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. This can be done by car, taxi, or a dedicated walking tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
San Pedro de los Arcos Church is a local parish church, and typically, entry to the main sanctuary is free for visitors. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific visiting hours or if there are any special events that might affect access.
As a functioning church, its hours are generally aligned with religious services. It's best to check with the local parish or look for posted hours on-site, especially if you plan to visit outside of typical daytime hours.
Visitors can usually enter the church to admire its interior. However, access might be restricted during mass or other religious ceremonies.
Generally, there is no admission fee to enter San Pedro de los Arcos Church. Donations are often appreciated to help with the upkeep of the building.
While official guided tours might not be readily available for this specific parish church, local tourist information centers or guides for the Naranco area might include it in their itineraries.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary in churches. It's respectful to check for signage or ask a church official before taking photos inside. Often, flash photography is discouraged to protect artwork and avoid disturbing worshippers.
The late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting on the pink stone exterior. Spring mornings are also lovely, especially when the magnolia trees are in bloom.
Yes, the church's hillside location provides opportunities for wider shots that include the surrounding landscape and views of Oviedo. The pink stone exterior itself is a strong photographic subject.
A standard lens for exterior shots and a wider lens for capturing the interior space would be beneficial. If you plan to photograph during low light, a tripod might be useful, but be mindful of church regulations.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in most urban and historical areas. It's highly unlikely that drone photography is permitted over or near the church without special permits. Always check local drone laws before flying.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
San Pedro de los Arcos Church is built in a neo-Romanesque style, designed by architect Luis Bellido and dating back to 1910. Its distinctive pink stone exterior is a notable feature.
Historical accounts suggest that earlier buildings may have existed on this site, possibly including a primitive chapel from the 6th-century Visigothic period, though further studies are needed to confirm this.
The church is significant for its neo-Romanesque architecture and its prominent location. It also sits in an area with a rich historical past, with mentions of earlier religious structures and its proximity to sites of historical events.
The church was designed by the architect Luis Bellido. It was constructed in 1910.
'San Pedro de los Arcos' translates to 'Saint Peter of the Arches'. The name likely refers to Saint Peter and possibly architectural features or historical elements of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with the nearby Pre-Romanesque churches of Naranco and Santa María del Naranco, which are also fascinating for younger visitors due to their unique shapes and historical stories. The open spaces around these sites can allow children to move around a bit more freely. Remember to check for any specific rules regarding children's behavior inside the church itself.
🚶 Pilgrims on the Camino Primitivo
This excursion offers a change of pace from the daily walking and provides a deeper appreciation for the historical and architectural richness of the region. The climb up to the church can be a good way to stretch your legs and enjoy some elevated views before continuing your pilgrimage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Charm and Historical Roots
The history of the site itself adds another layer of intrigue. It is believed that earlier structures may have occupied this location, with some speculation pointing to a primitive chapel from the 6th-century Visigothic period. While these claims require further extensive study, they hint at a long-standing religious or historical significance of the area, predating the current church by centuries. This blend of relatively recent architecture with ancient historical echoes makes San Pedro de los Arcos Church a place of layered interest.
Beyond its architectural and historical aspects, the church is also situated in an area with a complex past. Nearby, one can find a monument to Aida Lafuente, a victim of the October 1934 revolution, and historical records mention a mass grave for victims of the Franco era in the original cemetery. While these are somber reminders, they are part of the broader historical narrative of the region surrounding the church.
Visiting in Conjunction with Naranco's Treasures
Many visitors find it practical to group these sites together for a single excursion. Whether you're arriving by car or using local transport, planning a route that encompasses all three allows for a more efficient and rewarding experience. The journey up to these sites itself can be quite scenic, offering panoramic views of Oviedo.
When planning your visit, consider the time of day. Visiting San Pedro de los Arcos Church in the late afternoon can provide beautiful lighting for photography, especially during the golden hour. This timing also allows you to experience the other Naranco sites during daylight hours, maximizing your exploration of this historically significant area.
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