Oviedo

A city in northern Spain, capital of the Principality of Asturias (Principado de Asturias), currently has a population of 216,600 (as of 2021). Founded in the 8^th century, the city developed as a settlement around the monastery of St Vincent and later (from the late 15^th century) also around the local university. Oviedo is home to the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, built in the Flamboyant Gothic style, whose construction began at the end of the 8^th century. It was later rebuilt and enlarged several times. A visit to this cathedral is one of the highlights of a pilgrimage along the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago). The Cathedral’s Holy Chamber houses Spain’s most important relic, known as the Sudarium of Oviedo. The faithful are blessed with the Sudarium three times each year: on Good Friday, 14 September (the feast commemorating the finding of the Cross of Jesus by St Helena) and 21 September (the feast of the evangelist Matthew, patron saint of the city). During both September feasts, an indulgence is granted in the square in front of the cathedral and confessions are heard.