10 facts about Oviedo you didn't know

Discover Oviedo: 10 Hidden Gems That Will Make You Fall in Love with Spain's Secret City

Buckle up, folks! We're about to take you on a wild ride through the hidden gems of Oviedo, Spain. This charming city in the heart of Asturias is like that cool friend who always has the best stories - you think you know them, but they're always full of surprises. Oviedo's got more secrets than a spy's diary, and we're here to spill the beans!

Picture this: a city where ancient kings once roamed, where world-class cider flows like water, and where modern art meets medieval architecture on every corner. That's Oviedo for you - a perfect blend of old-world charm and new-age cool. It's the kind of place where you can sip coffee in a centuries-old plaza in the morning and dance the night away in a cutting-edge club by evening.

But hold onto your hats, because we're about to dive deep into the Oviedo you never knew existed. Did you know, for example, that this city has a connection to Woody Allen that'll make your jaw drop? Or that it's home to a statue that's been granting wishes for centuries? And don't even get us started on the underground tunnels that could give Indiana Jones a run for his money!

So, are you ready to discover the Oviedo that tourists never see? Let's peel back the layers of this Spanish onion and reveal the juicy facts that'll make you the star of your next trivia night. Trust us, by the time we're done, you'll be booking your tickets faster than you can say "¡Vamos a Oviedo!"

1. Woody Allen's Secret Spanish Love Affair

What if we told you that one of Hollywood's most iconic directors has a steamy love affair... with Oviedo? That's right, folks! Woody Allen is head over heels for this Spanish city, and he's not afraid to show it. The legendary filmmaker has been quoted saying, "Oviedo is like a fairytale," and he even featured the city in his movie "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". But here's the kicker - Oviedo loves him right back! The city has erected a life-size statue of Allen, making him the only American filmmaker to have a statue in Spain. Talk about a power couple! Next time you're in Oviedo, don't miss out on taking a selfie with Woody. It's the closest most of us will ever get to Hollywood royalty!

2. The Wish-Granting Statue

Ever wished upon a star? Well, in Oviedo, you can do one better. Let's introduce you to La Regenta, the city's most famous statue. This bronze beauty isn't just a pretty face - she's got some serious magical mojo! Legend has it that if you touch her right foot and make a wish, it'll come true. But here's the catch - you've got to keep your wish a secret, or the magic won't work. The statue, based on a character from a famous Spanish novel, has been granting wishes since 1997. Her right foot is noticeably shinier than the rest of her, thanks to all the hopeful hand touches. So, next time you're in Oviedo, give La Regenta a little foot rub. Who knows? Your wildest dreams might just come true!

3. The Underground City

Hold onto your hats, because we're about to go deep - literally! Beneath the charming streets of Oviedo lies a hidden world that would make any urban explorer drool. We're talking about a network of underground tunnels and chambers dating back to the 8th century. These aren't just any old holes in the ground - we're talking about a subterranean labyrinth that once served as everything from secret escape routes for royalty to hidden chambers for storing the city's treasures. Today, only a small part of this underground city is open to the public, but it's enough to fire up your imagination. Just imagine the secrets these walls could tell if they could talk! It's like stepping into a real-life Indiana Jones movie, right in the heart of Oviedo.

4. The Cider Capital of the World

Move over, craft beer - in Oviedo, it's all about the cider! This city isn't just fond of apple juice's naughty cousin; it's absolutely obsessed. Oviedo is unofficially known as the Cider Capital of the World, and for good reason. The Asturian cider here isn't your average apple booze - it's a way of life. The pouring of the cider is an art form in itself, with servers dramatically pouring it from a great height to aerate the drink. And get this - there's even a street called "Cider Boulevard" (Bulevar de la Sidra) where you can hop from one cider house to another. But the best part? Every October, Oviedo hosts a cider festival where over 40,000 liters of cider are consumed in just five days. Now that's what we call a party!

5. The Cheese with a Cult Following

Cheese lovers, prepare to have your minds blown! Oviedo is home to a cheese so legendary, it has its own protected status. Enter Cabrales cheese, the blue cheese to end all blue cheeses. This isn't your average stinky cheese - it's matured in natural caves in the Picos de Europa mountains for 2-5 months. The result? A cheese so strong and flavorful, it's been known to make grown men weep (with joy, of course). But here's the real kicker - true Cabrales cheese can only be made within a 25 km radius of the caves where it's aged. Talk about exclusive! So when you're in Oviedo, don't miss the chance to taste this cave-aged wonder. Your taste buds will thank you, even if your breath doesn't!

6. The Time-Traveling Cathedral

Get ready for a mind-bending architectural journey! The Cathedral of San Salvador in Oviedo is like a time machine made of stone. This isn't your average church - it's a mishmash of styles spanning over 500 years of construction. We're talking pre-Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque all in one place! It's like the architectural equivalent of a greatest hits album. But the real showstopper? The cathedral houses the Holy Shroud of Oviedo, believed by some to be the cloth that covered Jesus' face after his crucifixion. Talk about a holy relic! Whether you're a history buff, an architecture nerd, or just someone who appreciates a good time-travel story, this cathedral is a must-visit. It's like walking through five centuries in a single afternoon!

7. The City of Statues

Folks, if you thought your city had a lot of statues, wait till you see Oviedo! This place is so statue-crazy, it's earned the nickname "The City of Statues". But we're not talking about boring old men on horses here. Oh no, Oviedo likes to keep things interesting. You've got everything from a statue of a breastfeeding mother to one of a fish wearing a hat. Yes, you read that right - a fish. In a hat. But the best part? Many of these statues are interactive. You can sit next to them, pose with them, even have a pretend conversation if you're feeling chatty. It's like the whole city is one big, quirky art gallery. So when you're in Oviedo, keep your eyes peeled. You never know what kind of stone-cold character you might meet around the next corner!

8. The Pre-Romanesque Architectural Wonderland

History buffs, get ready to geek out! Oviedo is home to some of the world's best-preserved examples of Pre-Romanesque architecture. We're talking about buildings so old and so unique, they've been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The star of the show? The Church of Santa María del Naranco, originally built as a palace in 848 AD. That's right, this beauty is over 1,170 years old! But here's the real kicker - these buildings represent a style of architecture that existed for just 200 years. It's like catching a glimpse of an architectural shooting star. And the best part? You can visit these ancient wonders and pretend you're a time-traveling architect. Just don't try to give the original builders any tips - they clearly knew what they were doing!

9. The Fountain of Eternal Youth

Hold onto your wrinkle cream, because Oviedo might just have the secret to eternal youth! In the heart of the city lies the Foncalada, a fountain that's been bubbling away since the 9th century. But this isn't just any old water feature - it's the only preserved Pre-Romanesque civil architectural work still functioning for its original purpose. Legend has it that the water from this fountain has magical properties that can keep you young forever. Now, we can't promise you'll turn into Benjamin Button after a sip, but hey, it's worth a shot, right? At the very least, you'll be drinking from a piece of living history. So next time you're in Oviedo, forget the fancy face creams and take a gulp from the Foncalada instead. Who knows? You might just find the fountain of youth!

10. The Princess of Asturias Awards

Ever heard of the Nobel Prizes? Well, Oviedo's got its own version, and it's just as fancy! Every October, the city rolls out the red carpet for the Princess of Asturias Awards, often referred to as the "Spanish Nobels". These awards recognize outstanding achievements in sciences, humanities, and public affairs. But here's the cool part - the ceremony takes place in the Campoamor Theatre, a stunning 19th-century building that looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale. Imagine rubbing shoulders with world-renowned scientists, artists, and thinkers in a place that could double as Cinderella's ballroom! And the best part? The whole city gets involved, with concerts, exhibitions, and events happening all week. It's like the Oscars, but with more brains and fewer fashion faux pas. So if you're in Oviedo in October, keep your eyes peeled - you might just spot the next big thing in world-changing ideas!

And there you have it, folks - ten mind-blowing facts about Oviedo that'll make you the star of your next dinner party. From underground cities to wish-granting statues, from Hollywood connections to cheese with a cult following, Oviedo is a city that never stops surprising. It's a place where history and modernity dance a perfect tango, where art and architecture tell stories on every corner, and where the cider flows as freely as the conversation.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to discover the Oviedo that most tourists never see. Trust us, once you've experienced the magic of this Spanish gem, you'll be planning your return trip before you've even left. Oviedo isn't just a destination - it's an adventure, a mystery, and a love affair all rolled into one. Don't miss out on the chance to uncover its secrets for yourself. Vamos a Oviedo!