Church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Oviedo

The Church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús is a neo-Gothic church in Oviedo/Uviéu, the capital of Asturias, also known locally as the church of Las Salesas. Although it is closely associated with the Jesuits today, its origins lie with a different religious order and a different chapter of the city's history.

How did the church come to be built?

The building started out as the convent church of the Visitation Order (the Salesian nuns of the Visitation of Holy Mary, known in Spain as "Salesas"). The nuns settled in Oviedo in 1881, and by 1887 they were already living at the newly built convent complex. The church itself was constructed in 1886, but it was not consecrated until 1903 — meaning construction and interior completion stretched across nearly two decades.

The design was the work of architect Federico Aparici, who is also known for his contribution to the Basilica of Covadonga, one of Asturias' most significant religious sites. He worked on the Oviedo church together with Juan Miguel de la Guardia. This shared authorship explains why the building's overall form echoes other 19th-century religious architecture found elsewhere in the region.

What architectural style does the church follow?

The church was built in the neo-Gothic style, following a Latin-cross floor plan with a polygonal apse enclosing the altar area. One of its most distinctive features is a tall tower topped with a slender spire — though this was not part of the original construction. The tower was added later, in 1916, designed by architect Julio Galán, giving the church a more vertical, distinctly Gothic silhouette that still stands out in Oviedo's city-centre skyline today.

What has the church lived through over the years?

The church's history extends well beyond its liturgical role. During the difficult period of the Spanish Civil War, after the provincial administration building in the Llamaquique district was bombed in 1937, the church began functioning as a hospital, taking in the wounded and residents in need of care. The building itself suffered only minor damage during the conflict, allowing it to survive relatively intact.

A far bigger change came in peacetime. In the 1970s, the entire convent complex surrounding the church was demolished to make way for a shopping centre and residential buildings. The church itself was the only part of the original complex spared from demolition — today it stands somewhat isolated amid newer construction, a physical remnant of how this part of Oviedo used to look.

Who looks after the church today?

After the Visitation nuns left, pastoral care of the church passed to the Society of Jesus — the Jesuits — which is why locals in Oviedo often refer to it informally as "the Jesuit church," alongside its historical name, Las Salesas. Despite its origins with a different order, the church now serves as an active hub for Jesuit ministry in the region.

For visitors exploring central Oviedo, the church offers an interesting stop that ties together the region's religious architecture with the dramatic events of the 20th century — from the Civil War to the city's post-war redevelopment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús in Oviedo built? Construction began in 1886, and the church was consecrated in 1903.

What architectural style does the church represent? It was built in the neo-Gothic style, with a Latin-cross plan and a polygonal apse; its distinctive tower with a spire was added later, in 1916.

Does the convent the church was originally part of still exist? No — the Visitation convent itself was demolished in the 1970s to make way for a shopping centre and housing. Only the church building was preserved.

Who manages the church today? Since the Visitation nuns departed, the church has been cared for by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), which is why it is often informally called "the Jesuit church" in Oviedo.