Aída de la Fuente

Aída de la Fuente is an urban memorial sculpture in Oviedo, Asturias, honoring one of the most symbolic figures of the 1934 revolution.

Who was Aída de la Fuente?

Aída de la Fuente Peñaos — also known as Aída Lafuente or "La Rosa Roja" (The Red Rose) — was a young communist activist involved in youth organizations in Asturias. Her father, a painter of theatre posters, was himself a communist activist, and his influence shaped her early political engagement. When the Asturian revolution broke out in October 1934, she took part in organizing field hospitals and field kitchens that supplied fighters with hot meals and coffee at the front line. She was killed that same autumn in clashes with government forces sent to suppress the uprising against the Second Spanish Republic. Her death turned her into one of the legendary figures — one of the "saints" — later associated with the Spanish Civil War.

What will you see at the memorial?

Oviedo is home to an urban sculpture dedicated to her memory, marking a place where visitors can pause to reflect on the events of the 1934 revolution. It is a modest yet meaningful memorial, woven into the historic fabric of a city that was one of the main centers of the uprising.

How do you get there?

The memorial sits in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, easily reached by local public transport from the city centre. It is worth combining a visit with a walk through the old town — the San Salvador Cathedral and Plaza de la Constitución are both within short walking distance.

When should you visit?

The memorial can be visited year-round, as it sits along a walking route through the city and requires no booking or fixed opening hours. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, when Oviedo's mild temperatures make walking around the city especially pleasant.

Why is it worth a visit?

Twentieth-century Asturian history is closely tied to the events of 1934 — an early sign of the conflict that erupted into full civil war two years later. Visiting the memorial to Aída de la Fuente is a chance to learn about a lesser-known but significant chapter of the region's history, and to pay respect to those who took part in those events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Aída de la Fuente? A young communist activist from Asturias who helped organize medical and food support during the 1934 revolution and died in the fighting that same autumn.

Where is the memorial located? In Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, as an urban sculpture freely accessible to visitors.

Is there an entrance fee? No — it is a public urban sculpture, open at all times and free to visit.

Can it be combined with other Oviedo sights? Yes, the memorial is close to the historic city centre, making it easy to include in a broader walk around Oviedo.