Santa María del Naranco
A 9th-century royal palace turned church, this UNESCO site showcases unique Asturian pre-Romanesque art with stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for tours
Santa María del Naranco
Best Time
Beat the crowds for tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 9th-century royal palace turned church, this UNESCO site showcases unique Asturian pre-Romanesque art with stunning views.
"Extraordinary piece of architecture and a great view, but skip the guided tour if language is an issue."
🎯 Guided Tour Info
Tours are in Spanish only & schedule varies. Arrive early! :informationdeskperson:
🚗 Driving vs. Walking
You can drive up, but the walk offers rewarding views. :oncoming_automobile:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 8,325 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pre-Romanesque Architecture
Marvel at the unique Asturian pre-Romanesque style, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 9th century.
Panoramic Oviedo Views
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Oviedo and the surrounding Monte Naranco from the building's loggias.
Intricate Interior Details
Discover the detailed carvings on columns and semicircular arches within the palace's main hall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Guided Tours
UNESCO World Heritage Site Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tour Info
Tours are in Spanish only & schedule varies. Arrive early! :informationdeskperson:
🚗 Driving vs. Walking
You can drive up, but the walk offers rewarding views. :oncoming_automobile:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views of Oviedo are a must-see!
🎟️ Combined Entry
Your ticket includes entry to the nearby San Miguel de Lillo church. 🎟️
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tour Info
Tours are in Spanish only & schedule varies. Arrive early! :informationdeskperson:
🚗 Driving vs. Walking
You can drive up, but the walk offers rewarding views. :oncoming_automobile:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views of Oviedo are a must-see!
🎟️ Combined Entry
Your ticket includes entry to the nearby San Miguel de Lillo church. 🎟️
🚶♂️ Explore the Exterior
Even without a tour, the exterior and setting are stunning. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Santa María del Naranco for its exceptional pre-Romanesque architecture and stunning panoramic views of Oviedo. The site's historical significance as a former royal palace is a major draw. However, the management of the site, particularly the Spanish-only guided tours with unpredictable schedules, is a common point of criticism, with some suggesting improvements for international visitors. +1
"Construction on Iglesia de Santa Maria del Naranco began in the 9th century. This unesco world heritage site was originally a palace used for recreational purposes and transitioned to a church three centuries later. It is extremely emblematic of Pre-Romanesque architecture, which the region in Asturias around Oviedo is known for. Pay attention to the details inside the church /palace where the carvings reveal animals, people and other symbols. The balconies on either side of the church / palace are also excellent for observing details of the columns. Guided tours of Santa Maria del Naranco cost €5, last from 30-45 minutes and are in Spanish. The entrance fee includes entry to the neighboring church. Highly recommend visiting, especially going on the guided tour. The walk up to Santa Maria del Naranco is rewarding though it is possible to drive up too."
Nanita
"The site in itself is stunning! Nevertheless, it is awfully managed for a UNESCO site. You can visit it only with a guided tour, which is in Spanish only, and whose schedule is not listed anywhere. As the site is very small, there is no real need for a guide, in my opinion, but for pamphlets and brochures in Spanish and other languages. Apart from this, the guide does not offer any real information, but reminds you all the time not to touch anything inside (it's one small hall with bare walls and columns) and literally locks the visiting group in so that the tourists wanting to get in cannot do it 🫣 Totally recommend visiting the site, it's an extraordinaty piece of architecture and a great view, but skip the guided tour."
Annemarie Sorescu Marinković
"It is a representative example of the unique Asturian Pre-Romanesque style. Built around 848 AD under the orders of King Ramiro I, the structure was originally a Royal Palace but was later converted into a church. Some scholars even consider this building to be one of the origins of medieval European palace architecture. While the exterior lacks elaborate sculptural decoration, the interior is distinguished by intricate column decorations and semicircular arches. From the loggia at either end of the building, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city of Oviedo and Mount Naranco. Since access to the interior is only possible through a guided tour, it is recommended to arrive early and queue accordingly. Please note that the guide speaks only Spanish."
Seokjin Ham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive up to Santa María del Naranco, which is located on Monte Naranco, a few kilometers outside Oviedo. There are also walking paths that offer scenic views along the way.
While specific bus routes might vary, driving or taking a taxi is generally the most convenient way to reach the site. Some visitors mention the AS-232 road as the route to ascend.
Yes, the walk up to Santa María del Naranco is possible and is described as rewarding, offering beautiful scenery.
The AS-232 road is a common route to ascend Monte Naranco, offering access to Santa María del Naranco and other points of interest.
Parking is generally available near the site, especially if you drive up.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets are required for entry, and access to the interior is only possible through a guided tour. +1
Guided tours, which include entry to both Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, typically cost around €5.
Unfortunately, guided tours are exclusively in Spanish. +1
The schedule for guided tours can be unpredictable and is not always listed online. It's recommended to arrive early.
While you can admire the exterior and enjoy the views, interior access is restricted to guided tours.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Originally, Santa María del Naranco was built as a royal palace (Aula Regia) for King Ramiro I in 842, not as a church. It later transitioned into a church centuries later. +3
It's a prime example of the unique Asturian pre-Romanesque style, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its intricate column decorations and semicircular arches.
Inside, you'll find detailed carvings on the columns and arches, depicting animals, people, and symbols. +1
Yes, the building itself is photogenic, and the loggias offer stunning panoramic views of Oviedo, making it a great spot for photography.
The site is historically significant and offers beautiful views, but the limited access via guided tours might be less engaging for very young children.
📸 📸 Photography
The loggias offer incredible panoramic views of Oviedo, and the exterior of the building itself is very picturesque.
Photography is generally allowed inside, but it's always best to be respectful of the space and other visitors.
Mornings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoon might provide beautiful golden hour light over Oviedo.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to avoid flash photography inside historical monuments to preserve the artifacts.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the architecture and the expansive views. A standard zoom lens will also work well for details.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit