Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour, Oviedo, Spain Verified listing

Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour, Oviedo, Spain

The Holy Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of San Salvador de Oviedo stands in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. This Gothic-style cathedral holds great spiritual and historical value. People call it Sancta Ovetensis because it contains many sacred relics. These items make it one of the most treasured churches in Spain.

First, builders began work in the late 13th century. They started with the chapter house and the cloister. Then, they continued construction for nearly 300 years. They finally completed the tower in the mid-16th century. Later, in the 17th century, they added an ambulatory and side chapels. As a result, the building grew in both size and detail.

The site had an earlier church complex from the 9th century. Some of those original buildings still remain. Because of this, the cathedral blends many styles. You can see pre-Romanesque work in the Holy Chamber. Romanesque vaults and apostolate appear next. The Gothic style shapes the façade, naves, and cloister. Then, Renaissance features crown the tower top. Baroque art fills the ambulatory and other chapels.

The Holy Chamber is the cathedral’s most important space. It dates back to the 9th century. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Inside, you’ll find priceless relics. These include the Cross of Victory and the Cross of the Angels. Asturias and Oviedo use these symbols today. The Box of Agates and the Holy Ark also rest here. The Holy Ark holds many relics, including the Holy Shroud.

In 2015, UNESCO updated the Camino de Santiago route. It added the cathedral and the Holy Chamber as official stops. This confirmed their deep cultural and religious value. Today, pilgrims and visitors come from all over to experience this sacred place.

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