San Pelayo Monastery
Las Pelayas Monastery: more than a thousand years of monastic life in the heart of Oviedo.
San Pelayo Monastery · Oviedo
A thousand-year-old monastery
San Pelayo Monastery forms part of the historic religious complex that developed around Oviedo Cathedral. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, and it was originally dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The arrival in Oviedo of the relics of Saint Pelagius (San Pelayo) later led to a change of dedication, giving the monastery its present name.
For centuries, the community of Benedictine nuns has maintained monastic life at this site. The nuns are traditionally known in Oviedo as Las Pelayas, a name closely associated with the history and everyday life of the city.
The Church of San Pelayo
The present church was built between 1592 and 1600. It has a single nave and sober architectural lines. Its façade is arranged around three doorways, with the central entrance taller than the others; above it are a niche containing a stone image of San Pelayo and a rose window.
Inside, one of the most notable features is the choir stalls from the former Monastery of San Vicente. Carved in wood in the late 16th century, the ensemble consists of thirty-six high stalls whose backs display a wide range of iconographic motifs.
The Baroque façade and cloister
One of the most monumental elements of the complex is the façade of the vicarage, designed in 1703 following the models of Baroque palaces. The ground floor has three large arches framed by Tuscan columns, while the upper storey features balconies, columns and coats of arms associated with the Benedictine order and the monarchy.
The three-storey cloister has a monumental appearance and makes use of Tuscan pillars and columns. The complex is completed by a tower whose vertical silhouette creates a visual dialogue with the nearby tower of Oviedo Cathedral.
Archive and documentary heritage
The history of San Pelayo is also closely linked to the preservation of documentary heritage. Its archive contains collections of major historical value, including documents originating from other Asturian monasteries. This wealth of material makes the monastery an important reference for the study of the medieval and early modern history of Asturias.
The continuity of the Benedictine community makes San Pelayo a distinctive part of Oviedo’s heritage: it is not simply a historic monument, but a monastery that continues to fulfil its religious function.
Location and visit
Address: Calle San Vicente · 33003 Oviedo.
Location: in Oviedo’s historic centre, beside the former Monastery of San Vicente and very close to Oviedo Cathedral.
Important: this is an enclosed monastery. Access arrangements and the times of religious services may vary, so it is advisable to check up-to-date information before visiting.