account All you need to know about Mount Naranco in Oviedo
On the slopes of Mount Naranco sits a part of the city of Oviedo, called Ciudad Naranco. Because of this, this geographical feature has become a symbol of Asturias, and also a place full of art, ancient sculptures, pre-Romanesque architecture, and many other jewels. In addition to being a great option for hiking and tourism in the same route during our visit to the Asturian capital.
What to know about the mountain?
The altitude of the hill reaches 636 meters, and the total space of the mountain reaches 30,000 square meters, making it a kind of Oviedo's Retiro Park. That is, a large green space next to the city to enjoy all kinds of activities and connect with nature. In this place, you can hike and walk to the top of Naranco. But we can also go cycling or simply visit its monuments, which are several and highly recommended to see and enjoy.
On our route to the top of Mount Naranco, we can find very different things, from cider houses to all kinds of sports activities. Although, of course, the most striking are the monuments of Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, which are on the way to the top. It should not be forgotten at this point that both monuments were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Something that makes the visit to the mountain even more attractive.
These two religious temples belong to Asturian pre-Romanesque and give the mountain a special mystique. Santa María del Naranco was initially built as a pre-Romanesque palace. Since the temple was going to be San Miguel de Lillo, which is only a hundred meters away. They are historical and tremendously long-lived temples, since Santa María del Naranco was completed in the 9th century, like its neighbor. A journey to the history of Spain on the slopes of Naranco.
Beyond these two churches, at the top is the statue of the Sacred Heart, which also allows us to have almost aerial views of Oviedo. Although, to enjoy it well, we will have to go up on a day that is not foggy or cloudy and allows us to appreciate the Asturian heart with height. As for the sculpture of the Sacred Heart, we can say that, in addition to being spectacular and culminating the peak of the mountain range, it reminds us of the Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro. A figure that shows how the Sacred Heart of Jesus protects the city of Oviedo.
However, for those who are wondering if you can drive up here and enjoy this natural paradise without having to walk, you have to tell them that it is not possible. The ascent has to be done on foot from Oviedo. You can park in any of the streets near Ciudad Naranco and start the route there. To do this, we can do it on foot or as if it were a professional cyclist, since this mountain has been climbed in the Vuelta Ciclista a España on some occasion. The truth is that it is worth putting on suitable shoes and climbing almost from the center of Oviedo to the high summit of Naranco to have the best views of the area.
Where to stay?
If we are going to visit Mount Naranco in Oviedo, the best option in terms of value for money is, without a doubt, the hotel in Oviedo with all the comforts, to rest after a long day of hiking. All this makes the accommodation the most recommended cheap hotel in Oviedo with more than 100 rooms and all kinds of services to make the stay more comfortable.
Do you want to know more about Oviedo? Check our articles about the city: