On the slopes of Monte Naranco, 3.5km northwest of central Oviedo, this tall, narrow palace 鈥 built by Ramiro I (842鈥50), Alfonso II鈥檚 successor 鈥 is an exquisite example of Asturias鈥 unique pre-Romanesque architecture. It marks an advance in Asturian art: an outstanding decorative feature is the sogueado, the sculptural motif imitating rope used in its columns.
Except on Mondays, visits inside the palace are guided, in Spanish only, about every 40 minutes during opening hours. They also take in the nearby Iglesia de San Miguel de Lillo, with the last visit starting at posted closing times. There's no charge or time restrictions for admiring the two buildings from outside.
To get here, take bus A2 (鈧1.20), about hourly from 6.45am to 9.50pm, northwest from the Ur铆a Sur stop opposite the northeast side of Campo de San Francisco, or from the Ur铆a Norte stop on Calle Ur铆a near the train station; bus A1 runs back down. By car, you have to park 300m below Santa Mar铆a and walk up the lane.
