Villa Magdalena

Villa Magdalena is an eclectic-style mansion in the center of Oviedo, one of the last surviving examples of early 20th-century bourgeois residential architecture in the city. The building stands at Avenida de Galicia 28, set within its own garden right next to Plaza de América.

What is there to see?

The mansion was built in 1902 to a design by architect Juan Miguel de la Guardia, in the eclectic style favored by the local upper-middle class of the period. In 1940 it was renovated under Francisco and Federico Somolinos, giving the building much of its current appearance. Facing the street, it still keeps a romantic garden gazebo (mirador), a typical feature of residences of this kind from the era.

The ownership history is as interesting as the architecture itself. The house was originally commissioned by Victoriano G. Campomanes, a wealthy merchant, who named the property "Villa Rosita." During the First World War it was bought by an industrialist from Mieres, who later went bankrupt. The next owner was financier Alfredo Figaredo Herrero and his wife, María Argüelles Álvarez-Campa — the building's current name comes from her.

In the 1990s the city council expropriated the property and carried out a thorough restoration. The renovated building reopened as a cultural facility in May 1999. Today Villa Magdalena operates as a public library with a strong art focus: the basement holds study rooms, the first floor houses a specialized art library, and the second floor is a museum gallery. That gallery displays the Tamés Legacy collection — 93 works of art and 1,145 art books.

How do you get there?

Villa Magdalena sits right in the heart of Oviedo, on Avenida de Galicia, immediately next to Plaza de América, one of the city's key landmarks. Because it is in the central, walkable part of town, it is easy to combine a visit with other Oviedo sights on foot, without needing local transport.

When should you visit?

Since the building functions as a library and gallery, it is worth checking local opening hours before visiting — this type of municipal facility typically operates on weekdays and part of the weekend. The garden surrounding the mansion and the facade with its gazebo can be admired from outside regardless of the library's opening hours.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Villa Magdalena come from? The mansion was originally called "Villa Rosita," a name given by its first owner, merchant Victoriano G. Campomanes. Its current name comes from a later owner, María Argüelles Álvarez-Campa, wife of financier Alfredo Figaredo Herrero.

Who designed the building? It was designed in 1902 by architect Juan Miguel de la Guardia. In 1940 it was remodeled by Francisco and Federico Somolinos.

What is housed in Villa Magdalena today? The building operates as a public library with an art specialization: study rooms in the basement, an art library on the first floor, and a museum gallery on the second floor, home to the Tamés Legacy collection (93 artworks, 1,145 books).

Can you see the garden and facade without going inside? Yes — the mansion is surrounded by a garden, and the distinctive street-facing gazebo is visible from outside regardless of the library's opening hours.