Visit the 2 Stunning Pre-Romanesque Churches on Monte Naranco Oviedo
Have you heard of the picturesque Pre-Romanesque churches that overlook Oviedo Spain? On Monte Naranco find the iconic Santa María del Naranco and nearby San Miguel de Lillo churches. These two UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcase some of the most significant Pre-Romanesque Asturian architecture and sit picturesquely on the slopes of the mountainside.
These two spectacular churches were built during the early 9th century and helped fuel the movement towards Christianity in the Kingdom of Asturias in Spain.
The churches on the slopes of Monte Narco are only two of the fifteen monuments where it’s possible to see remnants of Pre-Romanesque art near Oviedo. The monuments include churches, fountains, and chambers in chapels. While there are many sites to see, only six are recognized by UNESCO as Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias.
This quick guide includes how to visit the Church of Santa María del Naranco and the Church of San Miguel de Lillo on the slopes of Monte Naranco in Oviedo.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Monte Naranco from Oviedo
- Asturias Pre-Romanesque Reception and Interpretation Center
- Tour Santa Maria del Naranco & San Miguel de Lillo
- Things to See on Monte Naranco
- Return to Oviedo
- More Places to See UNESCO-Listed Pre-Romanesque Art
- Conclusion | Visit Two Stunning Pre-Romanesque Churches on Monte Naranco
How to Get to Monte Naranco from Oviedo
The churches on Monte Naranco can be reached on foot, by public bus, or by car.
However, a car is not necessary unless you’re adventuring into the countryside. By the way, Cangas de Onís in the Picos de Europa National Park is only an hour away from Oviedo.
Hike up to Monte Naranco
Walking to Monte Naranco is quite straightforward. As I had just recently walked the Camino de San Salvador, I was happy to take the bus to shave off the walk up the hillside.
If walking, it’s about a 2-mile uphill walk from the Cathedral of San Salvador in Oviedo. The route follows the Avenida de los Monumentos to reach the Interpretation Center. Plan on this taking around 45 minutes or so.
Public Transit to Monte Naranco
Alternatively, it’s super easy to hop on the local bus. I caught a bus to Monte Naranco across the street from the leafy Oviedo Park of Campo de San Francisco on Calle Uria. Catch the bus here on the opposite side of the park (not far from the Woody Allen Statue).
Bus A2 will take you to the bus stop Prerromanico on Monte Naranco. It’s a fairly short ride up the hill. Exit the bus and walk to the signboard in the parking lot. Follow the footpath from the parking lot up to the Interpretation Center.
🚌 Buses Oviedo – Prerrománico | Local Bus A2 | One-way Fare: €1.20 | Duration: 10 minutes
By the way, this is where to park if you have a car and wish to tour the Pre-Romanasque Churches.
Asturias Pre-Romanesque Reception and Interpretation Center
The short footpath from the parking lot leads to the Interpretation Center of the Pre-Romanesque Asturias Art. This is an ideal place to start the tour of the points of interest of Monte Naranco.
There is information on all 15 significant sites of Pre-Romansque architecture near Oviedo from the ancient Kingdom of Asturias.
If you’ve been walking the Camino de Santiago, or just starting the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo, they do have a stamp for the pilgrim credentia here! Stamps are required to receive the official Compostela in Santiago de Compostela but make for a nice keepsake of the Camino journey.
It’s free to meander throughout the Asturias Art Interpretation Center. There are information boards in Spanish and English, which is great because the guided tours of the churches are only in Spanish. There are also model replicas of some sites.
It doesn’t take long to visit the Interpretation Center. There are also bathroom facilities inside the center.
Interpretation Centre of Asturian Pre-Romanesque Art | Find it here: Monte Naranco Oviedo Asturias | Hours: Spring & Fall Wednesday – Sunday 9:30 – 1:30 & 15:30 – 18:00 / Winter Wed-Sun: 9:30 – 14:00 / July & August, Daily 9:30 – 13:30 & 15:30 -19:00 | General Admission: Free | Official Website
Tour the Churches of Monte Naranco
If you have the chance, do tour the Pre-Romanesque Churches of Santa Maria del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. Although small, they are truly beautiful and worth a visit. These were some of my favorite churches on the Camino de Santiago routes, even if it is a small detour.
To tour the interior of the churches, you’ll need to buy a ticket at the small entrance of Santa María del Naranco. No tickets are sold for tours at the Interpretation Center.
Santa Maria del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo can only be visited as part of a tour (in Spanish). However, there are certain hours on Mondays when a guide is not required.
If you can’t join a tour or come early, both sites can be appreciated with the sweeping views of Oviedo and Cantabrian Mountains in the backdrop.
Santa Maria del Naranco & San Miguel de Lillo Church Tours
Important There are currently renovations at Santa Maria del Naranco so the tours and interior of the sites are closed until at least February 2024
As the Churches are protected under UNESCO there is a maximum capacity of 25 people per tour. The tours take around 30 minutes and typically run every half an hour or so. Be mindful that during peak and busy seasons, you may have to wait until a spot is available.
Both churches of Monte Naranco are included in the guided tour. Purchase tickets from the Church of Santa Maria de Naranco for €4. If no one is there during opening hours, chances are a guided tour is in session.
Tour Hours
Tours of the Churches of Monte Naranco change seasonally. Be mindful of holidays and events that may disrupt opening hours.
- Summer: April 1 – September 30
- Tuesday – Saturday: 9:30 – 13:00 & 15:30 – 19:00
- Sundays & Mondays: 9:30 – 13:00
- Winter: October 1 – March 31
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 14:30
- Sundays & Mondays: 10:00 – 12:30
Church of Santa Maria del Naranco | Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco
The Church of Santa Maria del Narco was believed to have been constructed for the Asturian King Ramiro I with construction starting in 842. It was believed that this was originally built as a royal palace and not a church.
On the tour, climb up the old staircase to enter the main floor. The impressive building has an arch vault with two terraces. The terraces offer incredible views of Oviedo and it’s possible to walk out and appreciate the views.
Inside the pillars are sketched with motifs. There is a crypt underneath the main floor.
Photos are allowed inside the Church of Santa Maria del Naranco
Church of San Miguel de Lillo | Iglesia de San Miguel de Lillo
A short walk away, the Church of San Miguel de Lillo is also spectacular. This monument was originally built as a church under the orders of Ramiro I in 842. Although the church has collapsed, the west-facing window boasts the original latticework.
Inside photos are not allowed as there are still frescoes of stars, flowers, and patterns on the ceiling of the naves. One of the most interesting features is the carvings near the doorway that show scenes from a circus with a lion-tamer and all.
The church has been dedicated to Saint Michael since the 12th century.
Touring the interior of the Church of San Miguel de Lillo is worth it and extremely beautiful.
Things to See on Monte Naranco
The tours finish at San Miguel de Lillo, but if you have the time there are numerous hiking trails on Monte Naranco. The signboards have marked hiking trails and itineraries labeled Caminos de Naranco. There are signboards on the hiking trails, but usually only at the intersections.
Follow the trail behind the Church of San Miguel de Lillo to visit the Fuente de los Pastores, the Shepherds Fountain. The uphill climb is fairly steep. Nearby don’t miss the Lavadero de Entrerregueros, old facilities to wash clothes.
If ambitious, continue to Pico Paisano. This peak of Monte Naranco is 2,080 ft (634) and houses the Sacred Heart of Jesus Monument. This is one of the best views of Oviedo.
Return to Oviedo
After visiting the Pre-Romanesque churches or hiking around Monte Naranco, return to the parking lot and cross the street to the Prerrománico bus stop.
There is a covered bench here, which is nice while waiting. Hop on any A-line bus to return to Oviedo city center. I hopped on bus A1 on the return trip.
I think Campo de San Francisco Park is an excellent reference point when exiting the bus in Oviedo.
➜ Browse all the Places to Stay in Oviedo
More Places to See UNESCO-Listed Pre-Romanesque Monuments Nearby
There are 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites listed as Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias. If you visited the Churches on Monte Naranco, you’ve seen two of the six impressive sites.
✔ The Basilica of San Julián de Los Prados, which is also known as Santullano, is located in Oviedo and was ordered to be built by King Alfonso II. While its location is along the busy motorway, the interior is well-preserved and boasts frescoes on the walls. This is the largest Pre-Romanesque art structure and also the oldest.
✔ La Foncalada is a fountain built over a natural spring in the Pre-Romanesque style. It is marveled for its civil constructions and hydraulic engineering architecture. It is said to be built in the early 9th century.
✔ The Holy Chamber is found inside the incredible San Salvador Cathedral. King Alfonso II ordered the Pre-Romanesque chapel to be built for his palace in the 9th century. The walls are lined with sculptures of the Apostles. This is where valuable relics are kept, like the Holy Shroud that was said to cover the face of Jesus.
✔ Santa Cristina de Lena is a spectacular church tucked away in the mountains. This sacred site can be visited along the Camino de San Salvador. Hint, stay in unforgettable Bendueños Albergue the night before. The interior of this church can be visited, but it’s best to call ahead as hours are restricted. Either way, the exterior is worth a visit.
If looking to visit all of the 15 Pre-Romanesque sites and monuments from the Kingdom of Asturias, the Interpretation Center has excellent resources.
Conclusion | Visit Two Stunning Pre-Romanesque Churches on Monte Naranco
In short, this is a quick guide on how to visit the two stunning Pre-Romanesque churches on the slopes of Monte Naranco. This guide includes how to get there, tips on joining a guided tour, and other places of interest on Monte Naranco Oviedo.
As I walked to Oviedo on the Camino de San Salvador, I became interested in these sites from seeing the Church of Santa Cristina de Lena. If visiting Oviedo or walking to Santiago de Compostela, take the short detour to the Church of Santa Maria del Naranco and the Church of San Miguel de Lillo. They are so unique and interesting and the location is stunning.
Have you visited the sites on the slopes of Monte Naranco? What did you think of the Church of Santa Maria del Naranco and the Church of San Miguel de Lillo? Let me know in the comments below!
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