Oviedo (Spanish: [oˈβjeðo]) or Uviéu (Asturian: [uˈβjew]) is the capital city of the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain and the administrative and commercial centre of the region.

The Kingdom of Asturias began in 720, with the Visigothic aristocrat Pelagius's (685–737) revolt against the Muslims who at the time were occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula.

King Fruela I of Asturias, the fourth of the Asturian monarchs, was the first decided promoter of the city as may be witnessed by his construction of both a palace and a nearby church.

Ramiro I constructed two buildings, the Church Santa Maria del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo.

9th century documents also indicate small scale aristocracies across the kingdom, as well as a large presence of a landowning peasantry.

Following an offensive in 881 against an Umayyad army, Alfsonso III returned to Oviedo to rebuild churches.

The moving of the royal court to León, after the death of Alfonso III, 'The Great', links the life of the city to the relics preserved in its cathedral and the passing of pilgrims that visit El Salvador, and continue on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

During the 12th century, many Royal Charters were fabricated by Bishop Pelayo de Oviedo, "el fabulador" ("the fabulist").

Bishop Pelayo's intent behind this was to try to gain the independence of his see from the archbishop of Toledo or Santiago, as well as to promote Oviedo as a pilgrim destination.

"[15] It is assumed that Bishop Pelayo never committed forgery for the enjoyment, but primarily to promote the church of Oviedo.

In Asturias, the fighting developed into a small, short-lived civil war: the Asturian miners' strike of 1934.

The army garrison rose in support of the Nationalist coup d'état and withstood a siege of three months by an improvised Republican force until relieved in 1937.

To the north lie Las Regueras and Llanera, to the south Mieres del Camino and Ribera de Arriba, to the east Siero and Langreo, and to the west Grado and Santo Adriano.

The city is protected against strong winds by Monte Naranco in the north and the Sierra del Aramo in the south.

[18] Oviedo contains a very rich architectural history, with many buildings dating back to the early medieval period.

Alfonso II is said to have built four churches, one dedicated to Christ the Saviour, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Tyrsus, and SS Julian and Basilissa.

Only a wall and a three light window are believed to have been built by Alfonso II, the majority of the rest of the church is dated to the 14th century.

[20] The best preserved church constructed during Alfonso II's time was San Julian de los Prados.

Other Spanish writers were inspired by the city, including Ramón Pérez de Ayala in Tigre Juan and Dolores Medio in her novel Nosotros los Rivero.

This full-time symphony orchestra performs a wide range of the classical repertoire with world class soloists and conductors.

It is based in the Auditorio Principe Felipe in Oviedo, but it also performs regularly at the main concert venues in Gijón and Avilés.

It is Internationally recognized as one of the best orchestras in Spain, it is also committed to adventurous programing with strong emphasis on education and community partnerships.

This prestigious event, held in the city's Campoamor Theatre, recognizes international achievement in eight different categories.

Alonso has his official career and life museum, together with a karting circuit designed by himself, in Llanera, nearby Oviedo.

Its climate is very similar to neighbouring city Gijón, with only slightly wider fluctuations in temperature due to its higher altitude and more inland location.

Its maritime position renders winters much milder than in continental Spain such as in the Madrid capital region, but summers naturally are far less hot than in the interior.

Oviedo is served by Asturias Airport, about 48 km (30 mi) from the center of the city; it is located in the municipality of Castrillón.

Within the municipality, there are others rail stations on the Cercanías Asturias network, in La Corredoria, Llamaquique, El Caleyo, Olloniego, Santa Eulalia de Manzaneda, Tudela-Veguín, Parque Principado, Colloto, Argañosa-Lavapiés, Las Campas, Las Mazas, San Claudio, Soto-Udrión, Trubia, Fuso de la Reina, and Caces.