Archaeological Museum of Asturias in Oviedo

The Archaeological Museum of Asturias occupies the former Benedictine monastery of Saint Vicente in Oviedo / Uviéu, a building dating back to the 16th century. It is the region's leading institution dedicated to the history of Asturias, spanning everything from the earliest settlements to the medieval Christian kingdom.

What can visitors see inside?

The collection is organized around the successive periods that shaped the region:

• Neolithic and megalithic finds — tools, pottery, and objects linked to early farming communities and megalithic tomb builders.
• Bronze Age and Iron Age artifacts — everyday objects and weaponry from pre-Roman times.
• Astur hill fort culture — remains from the fortified hilltop settlements (castros) characteristic of the pre-Roman mountain culture of the region.
• Roman period — evidence of Roman presence in what is now Asturias.
• Pre-Romanesque and Romanesque art of the Kingdom of Asturias — one of the museum's central chapters, covering the era when Asturias became a center of Christian power in Spain following the Arab conquest.

What other collections does the museum hold?

Beyond its main chronological line, the museum also houses thematic collections less commonly found in regional institutions:

• Asturian ethnography — objects tied to the region's traditional rural life.
• Heraldry and medieval and modern epigraphy — inscriptions and coats of arms documenting local history.
• Spanish numismatics and a European medal section — coin and medal collections.
• An armor section — weaponry and armor from various historical periods.

Why is the monastery building itself worth seeing?

The building is part of the attraction. The former Benedictine monastery of Saint Vicente is a landmark of religious architecture whose structure and interior layout have been tied to Oviedo's history for centuries. Visiting the museum therefore also means exploring one of the city's historic buildings, adapted for exhibition use while retaining its original character.

Who is this museum suited for?

The exhibition balances accessibility with academic depth, making it suitable both for a quick stop during a walk through Oviedo and for a longer visit by those interested in archaeology and the medieval history of Spain. The range of sections — from megaliths to numismatics — means most visitors will find something that matches their interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the museum located? The museum is in the center of Oviedo / Uviéu, inside the former Benedictine monastery of Saint Vicente.

Which historical periods does the collection cover? From the Neolithic and megalithic period, through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Astur hill fort culture, to the Roman period and the Pre-Romanesque and Romanesque art of the Kingdom of Asturias.

Does the museum hold anything besides archaeological artifacts? Yes — it also presents Asturian ethnography, heraldry, epigraphy, Spanish and European numismatics, and an armor collection.

Is the museum building itself historically significant? Yes, the 16th-century Benedictine monastery of Saint Vicente is an architectural landmark and an integral part of the visit.