Oviedo City Hall

Oviedo City Hall (Ayuntamiento de Oviedo) sits on Plaza de la Constitución, right at the heart of the Asturian capital, and is usually the first landmark visitors notice on entering the old town.

Where exactly is the building?

The town hall occupies one side of Plaza de la Constitución, a small, intimate square next to Calle Cimadevilla, the main street linking the old quarter with the rest of the city. Its ground-floor arcade and the clock tower rising above the entrance make it easy to spot among the surrounding houses. From here, a short uphill walk leads to San Salvador Cathedral, and the square itself often serves as a meeting point for groups and a stage for local events.

When was the current building constructed?

Work on the town hall began in 1622 under architect Juan de Naveda, and construction continued in stages until it was finished in 1671. Notably, the new building was raised partly on top of remnants of Oviedo's old city walls and the former Cimadevilla gate, one of the historic entrances into the medieval town. Because of this, the structure has been tied to the city's defensive past from the outset, rather than existing purely as a new civic showpiece.

What happened to the building in the 20th century?

The town hall suffered serious damage during the Spanish Civil War, when fighting affected large parts of central Oviedo. In 1940 the facade was rebuilt, and a clock tower was added — the same tower still visible from most corners of the square today. What visitors see now is largely this post-war facade, even though older elements, including sections of the original walls, remain embedded within the structure.

What role does it play today?

The building still functions as the seat of Oviedo's municipal government. It is headed by a mayor (alcalde), chosen from among the 27 councillors who make up the city council. The current term began on 17 June 2023, following the local elections held on 28 May 2023. For most visitors the town hall works as a landmark and a photo backdrop rather than a site with regular public tours, so it is worth checking locally whether the interior is open on the day of your visit.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Several of Oviedo's key sights branch out from the square in front of the town hall. A short walk uphill brings you to San Salvador Cathedral, one of the main stops on the Camino Primitivo, the oldest branch of the Camino de Santiago. Along Calle Cimadevilla and the surrounding lanes, look out for the bronze sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, which have become some of the most photographed spots in the city. The old town is compact enough that the town hall, the cathedral, and the nearby squares all fit comfortably into a single walking route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Oviedo City Hall? The building is used for municipal administration, so public access to the interior tends to be limited to office hours or specific occasions — it is worth confirming locally before planning a visit, since arrangements can change.

How old is the town hall building? Construction began in 1622 and was completed in 1671, although the facade visitors see today dates from the rebuilding carried out after 1940.

Why does the facade look different from the rest of the structure? Because the town hall was badly damaged during the Spanish Civil War, and its facade and clock tower were rebuilt in 1940.

Is the town hall connected to the Camino de Santiago? It doesn't sit directly on the route, but it stands close to San Salvador Cathedral, one of the main waypoints of the Camino Primitivo in Oviedo.