Sculptures scattered around Oviedo

UPDATED MARCH 2023.

Oviedo’s Sculpture Scene – A Sight to See!

Have you ever found yourself wandering the streets of Oviedo, taking in the stunning views of this picturesque city, only to stumble upon a work of art that takes your breath away? That’s the magic of Oviedo’s vibrant sculpture scene!

A Brief History of Oviedo’s Sculptures

Believe it or not, Oviedo’s love affair with sculpture dates back centuries. During the Middle Ages, ornate stone carvings adorned many of the city’s churches and cathedrals. Fast forward to the 19th and 20th centuries, and a renewed interest in public art led to the creation of many sculptures and monuments throughout the city.

The Early Years: Stone Carvings and Monuments

Many of Oviedo’s earliest examples of public art can still be seen today. Check out the Monumento a la Madre, a tribute to motherhood unveiled in 1927, or the statue of Leopoldo Alas Clarin, a famous Asturian writer and journalist, erected just a year later.

Eduardo Chillida and his Contributions to Oviedo’s Art Scene

In the 1970s, the renowned Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida created several works of art that can be seen in Oviedo today, including “The Return of the Traveler” and “Elogio del Horizonte” (Praise of the Horizon), a large steel sculpture that overlooks the Bay of Biscay.

The Statues of Oviedo: A Diverse Array of Artistic Styles and Themes

Monumento a la Madre – a tribute to motherhood that was unveiled in 1927, located in the Plaza de América.
Statue of Leopoldo Alas Clarin – a famous Asturian writer and journalist, which was erected in 1928, located in the Plaza de Porlier.
The Return of the Traveler – a statue created by the renowned Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida in the 1970s, located in the Plaza de la Escandalera. It depicts a man returning home, holding a suitcase and a stick, and is considered one of Chillida’s most famous works.
Elogio del Horizonte (Praise of the Horizon) – another Chillida sculpture made of corten steel, located on a hilltop in the Parque de la Prehistoria. It overlooks the Bay of Biscay and is a popular spot for panoramic views of the city.
Woody Allen statue – a bronze statue of the famous filmmaker, unveiled in 2003 in the Plaza de Trascorrales, as a tribute to Oviedo’s love for cinema.
Series of sculptures aimed at motherhood – located in the Plaza de la Gesta, this series of four bronze sculptures by artist Eduardo Úrculo depicts different stages of motherhood, including a pregnant woman, a mother with her newborn, a mother with a child, and a mother with her grown-up children. The sculptures were installed in the plaza in 2005 and are a popular spot for photos and relaxation.

Whether you’re a lover of art, history, or simply looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city, Oviedo’s open-air gallery filled with over 100 sculptures are a must-see attraction. So grab your walking shoes, a camera, and get ready to be inspired by the incredible works of art that line the streets of this magical city.

Here are some of the ones we have seen. 

From the iconic Woody Allen sculpture to the poignant tribute to motherhood, go ahead and explore the diverse array of sculptures in Oviedo and their rich history, showcasing the city’s unique artistic heritage and providing a fascinating glimpse into the many themes and styles that have been captured in stone and bronze throughout the years.