What to do · Villaviciosa and Tazones
San Salvador de Valdediós, the Conventín, and the Cistercian monastery
Information
- From
- €7 per adult
- Duration
- 1 h
- Season
- All year; from October to March, mornings only
- Who it's for
- All ages; the route has stairs
In a valley of oaks and chestnuts about 9 km from Villaviciosa there are two churches of two eras, one beside the other. San Salvador, the Conventín, is Asturian pre-Romanesque: Alfonso III the Great had it built as part of a palatine complex for retreat, and seven bishops consecrated it on 16 September 893, according to the marble inscription kept inside. Santa María is the church of the Cistercian monastery founded by Alfonso IX and Berenguela in 1200, begun in 1218 and, until the Gothic cathedral of Oviedo rose, the largest in Asturias.
What you see
The cultural visit passes through the Conventín, with its three-aisle plan, the royal porch and the Bishops' chapel, where frescoes remain that the monastery compares with those of San Julián de los Prados and San Miguel de Lillo; continues through the church of Santa María and ends in the Renaissance cloister, completed in 1777. It is done with an audio guide, at no extra cost, in Spanish, English, French or German. There is also a personalised guided visit, for groups of up to 15, that goes into the sacristy and the choir: Tuesday to Friday at 12:00 and 18:00, with booking confirmed 24 hours ahead.
Hours and price
From April to September it opens from 10:30 to 13:30 and from 16:00 to 19:00; on Sundays, from 11:00 to 13:30 and from 16:00 to 19:00. From October to March, only from 10:30 to 13:30, and on Sundays from 11:00 to 13:30. Closed every Monday and on 1 and 6 January, 8 and 16 September and 25 December. General admission costs €7; over-65s, €6; schoolchildren, university students up to 25 and pilgrims, €4; under-8s, free. You pay at reception, in cash or by card. Booking online secures the audio guide, and is compulsory for groups of more than 15.
Getting there
By car from Villaviciosa, about 15 minutes. From Oviedo and Gijón it is a little over half an hour, so it fits on the way to the town. In the same complex there is a pilgrims' hostel.
Tips
- In winter, come in the morning From October to March it closes at 13:30 and does not open in the afternoon.
- Ask for the personalised visit if the choir interests you It is the only way to enter the sacristy and the choir of Santa María.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Valdediós?
€7 general admission, with audio guide; €6 for over-65s and free for under-8s.
Which days is it closed?
Every Monday, as well as some public holidays.
Do I have to book?
Not for individual visitors, although it secures the audio guide. Yes for groups of more than 15 and for the guided visit.
As a family
