Tour de los misterios y leyendas de Oviedo

Exploring Oviedo’s Hidden Mysteries and Legends: A Deep Dive

This tour of Oviedo’s mysterious side promises an engaging 1.5-hour walk through the city’s darker stories, legends, and secrets. For just $11, it offers a chance to see Oviedo in a new light, uncovering tales from exorcisms and ghostly apparitions to mythological beings from Asturian folklore. The experience is led by an official guide, Denis Soria, whose thorough knowledge and engaging storytelling bring these legends vividly to life.

One of the standout features of this tour is its focus on local legends and authentic stories, presented in a lively, accessible way. It’s not just about facts but about experiencing Oviedo’s shadowy past firsthand. However, since the tour is in Spanish, non-Spanish speakers might find it helpful to brush up on some basics or bring a translation app. This tour is perfect for history buffs, lovers of the supernatural, or anyone interested in the mysterious side of Spanish cities.

What’s worth noting is the tour’s rich mixture of historical facts, local myths, and spooky tales, which keeps the experience lively and varied. Also, at just over a dollar a minute, the price point is excellent considering the depth of stories and personal insights provided. It’s an affordable way to explore a lesser-known facet of Oviedo that many travelers might never discover on their own.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from a knowledgeable, accredited guide enhances the experience.
• The tour covers a wide range of topics, from medieval exorcisms to myths and ghost stories.
• Insight into Oviedo’s connection with witchcraft and legends adds a mystical dimension.
• A cost-effective experience that offers deep historical and cultural insights for only $11.
• Suitable for those interested in history, folklore, or spooky stories, especially in the evening.
• Tour accessibility is good, with a wheelchair-friendly route that ends at the starting point.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Oviedo’s Mystery Tour

Starting at the Puerta de la Catedral de Oviedo in Plaza Alfonso II, the tour kicks off under the towering presence of the cathedral, where the guide introduces the first story: the curse of Oria, considered the first documented medieval exorcism. This sets the tone, blending history and supernatural lore from the outset. It’s a compelling way to begin, especially for those fascinated by medieval rituals and local legends.

As you move through the illuminated streets at night, the guide takes you to the Holy Chamber of the cathedral, where you’ll learn about the mysterious origins of the Holy Shroud—a relic shrouded in enigma and kept in the cathedral’s depths. The stories surrounding this relic are often intertwined with legends of faith and secrecy, making it a highlight for history and religious enthusiasts.

Next, the tour ventures to San Tiso’s church, where ancient legends about Asturian kings come alive. The guide explains the connection between Oviedo and witchcraft, revealing how some areas were believed to be haunted or cursed by supernatural beings. This segment offers a fascinating look into the city’s darker, mystical side, making you reflect on how local superstitions shaped the city’s history.

From there, the tour moves toward El Fontán, an ancient market square with a lagoon legend involving drownings, adding a layer of macabre history to the vibrant setting. The guide shares chilling stories that even seasoned ghost hunters might find intriguing. The route then takes you to the Palacio de la Rúa, one of the oldest medieval towers in Asturias, where secrets and intrigues are said to linger in its stone walls.

Further along, the route explores Azcárraga Street and the Socastiello neighborhood, both reputed for ghost sightings and paranormal activity. The stories here are vivid and sometimes spine-tingling, giving a sense that Oviedo’s past still whispers through its streets.

An important aspect of this tour is the inclusion of local mythological beings from Asturian folklore, such as goblins. The guide introduces these characters at the foot of Campusagráu Palace and discusses how such beings are woven into the landscape and stories of Oviedo, enriching the local folklore.

Finally, the tour touches on Oviedo’s darker history related to Nazi criminals hiding in the city, recounting stories of some of the most notorious figures who used Oviedo as a hiding place, and even about one who died in 2001. The tour concludes back at the cathedral, leaving you with a sense of the city’s layered history—both its sacred and sinister sides.

Why This Tour Is Valuable for Travelers

We loved the way the guide, Denis Soria, combines historical accuracy with lively storytelling, making complex legends accessible and engaging. His approach, as reviews suggest, includes a good dose of humor and a personable manner that keeps the group interested, even during the darker tales.

For those interested in medieval exorcisms, the story of Oria is particularly fascinating. Hearing about the first documented medieval exorcism within the city adds a tangible sense of history behind the legends. The story’s authenticity is enhanced by the guide’s detailed explanations, which help you understand the historical context and why such stories persisted.

The segment on the Holy Shroud is particularly compelling, especially given its secrecy and the mystique that surrounds it. Learning about its origin and the legends about its holiness offers a fascinating glimpse into Oviedo’s religious history, and how relics can be intertwined with city identity.

The tour’s focus on local mythology and ghost stories provides a fun, spooky element that’s perfect for evening outings. As one review notes, stories of drownings and ghost sightings in areas like Socastiello and El Fontán are both chilling and intriguing, giving a sense of the city’s lingering supernatural aura.

The inclusion of Oviedo’s connection with witchcraft and the supernatural offers insights into how local superstitions influenced history, and how legends persisted through generations. This adds a layer of depth that makes the experience more meaningful than a simple ghost walk.

Considering the price, at just $11, the tour offers outstanding value for those eager to explore the hidden, darker sides of Oviedo. The small group size and expert narration allow for an intimate, engaging experience that’s both fun and educational.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity, especially after a day of sightseeing. Meeting at the Puerta de la Catedral provides a central starting point, and the tour ends right back where it began, which is convenient for continuing your evening plans.

Since the guide is in Spanish, basic understanding of the language will help you fully grasp the stories. However, the lively delivery and visual cues make it accessible even for those with limited Spanish skills. The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that most visitors can participate comfortably.

The price of $11 is quite competitive, especially considering the depth and variety of stories shared. No extra costs are usually involved, and with the option to cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund, booking is flexible.

The Sum Up

This tour of Oviedo’s mysteries and legends offers a compelling mix of history, myth, and ghostly tales, all delivered with expert storytelling and passion. It’s particularly suited for history buffs, folklore enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the city’s darker, secret side.

The experience’s affordability, combined with its rich content, makes it an excellent choice for travelers looking to deepen their understanding of Oviedo beyond the typical sights. The stories you’ll hear aren’t just entertainment—they’re a window into the cultural psyche of Oviedo, revealing how legends, religion, and history intertwine.

If you’re drawn to stories of ghosts, witchcraft, and medieval exorcisms, this tour will leave you with plenty to ponder and share. It’s an authentic, engaging, and memorable way to experience Oviedo’s less-visible layers, making it a standout activity in the city.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the stories are generally intriguing and fun, some tales are quite spooky or macabre, so discretion is advised for younger children.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is led by a Spanish-speaking guide. If you don’t speak Spanish, some understanding of basic phrases will help, or consider translating tools.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect evening activity that’s not overly long.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the route is wheelchair accessible, ensuring most visitors can join comfortably.

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $11 per person, offering excellent value given the depth of stories and expert narration.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Puerta de la Catedral de Oviedo and concludes back at the same meeting point.

Is there any age restriction?
There’s no specific mention of age restrictions, but the spooky content might be better suited for older children and adults.

Whether you’re a lover of history, folklore, or ghost stories, this tour offers an engaging way to explore Oviedo’s darker stories in a relaxed, authentic setting. It’s a fantastic addition to your evening plans and an excellent way to see the city’s mysterious side.