Top of the World
The Cathedral of the Holy Saviour is the largest and most significant of the many churches in Oviedo, Asturias.In 1872 it was awarded the title of minor basilica and is the end point of the Pilgrim's Way to San Salvador.An old saying goes: "He who goes to Santiago and not El Salvador, visits the servant and not the Lord".Oviedo Cathedral began its construction at the dawn of the 14th century just above the ruins of a pre-Romanesque basilica and it was King Alfonso II the Chaste who promoted its construction. During the Middle Ages it became an important pilgrimage centre and an obligatory stop for those travelling to Santiago. Its architectural style was based on the predominant Gothic of the time and a floral touch. It is a single tower of 80 m. that can be seen from any point in the city of Oviedo, thus having a dominant position.Oviedo Cathedral has several elements that attract the attention of visitors. Its doors are made of walnut wood with beautiful carvings. In addition, it has a space of greater value known as the Holy Chamber, inside which there are some religious relics, so you can see the Holy Ark, the Cross of the Angels, the Shroud, the Ark of the Agates and the Cross of Victory, while below is the Crypt of Santa Leocadia.Its facade is composed of three doors that lead to each of the naves of the interior. The main nave is 10 meters wide, 67 meters long and 20 meters high. The Holy Chamber has been declared a World Heritage Site due to the value of its treasures and the Romanesque sculptures that surround it. In addition there are, in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Chaste King, the tombs of the Asturian monarchs, being the first royal pantheon of the country.
