Church of San Tirso, Oviedo

The Church of San Tirso in Oviedo is an early medieval rectangular building marked by three window openings with decorative details on its front. Inside, stone pillars and barrel vaults divide the interior into distinct sections that guide the eye through the space.

A royal architect named Tioda built this structure in 801 under King Alfonso II's reign. A major fire in 1521 damaged most of the original elements, leaving only one three-part window intact before major repairs happened in the 1700s.

The name comes from a saint venerated across Asturian religious tradition. The building displays the rounded arches and stone supports typical of how people in this region expressed their faith through architecture.

The building sits on Plaza Alfonso II el Casto right next to Oviedo Cathedral, making it easy to reach on foot. This location connects to other religious sites nearby, so you can explore several places in one visit to the area.

The structure preserves one three-part window from before the 1521 fire, making it the oldest visible element inside the building today. This single window offers a rare view of the craftsmanship from before the fire damage.

Location: Oviedo

Inception: 9 century

Architects: Tioda

Architectural style: Asturian architecture

Part of: Camino Primitivo

Website: http://iglesiadeasturias.org

GPS coordinates: 43.36218,-5.84377

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:47