Plaza de Feijoo, Oviedo

Historic Site and Square in Oviedo

Plaza de Feijoo
Plaza de Feijoo
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enric

Plaza de Feijoo is a small, atmospheric public square tucked into Oviedo's Casco Antiguo (Old Town), just a short stroll from the Cathedral area and beside the city's Archaeological Museum zone. It's best known for its calm, lived-in feel and for the statue honoring Benito Jerónimo Feijoo, a key Enlightenment-era thinker closely linked to Oviedo.

This is an easy stop to weave into a walking tour of central Oviedo: come for a quick look at the statue and surrounding façades, then continue on foot toward the Cathedral, the nearby museums, and the tight lanes of the historic quarter. For the best views, stand near the center of the plaza to take in the statue with the surrounding historic buildings as a backdrop.

History and Significance of the Plaza de Feijoo

Plaza de Feijoo is a public space whose identity is closely tied to Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1676–1764), a Benedictine monk and influential essayist associated with Oviedo's intellectual life. The square's name commemorates him, and the plaza's most prominent landmark is the statue dedicated in his honor.

The setting also reflects Oviedo’s layered history: the square sits among long-standing religious and institutional buildings that helped shape the city’s early development and later cultural life. Even if you’re not doing a deep historical dive, the plaza makes a good “pause point” to understand how tightly Oviedo’s Old Town blends scholarship, faith, and civic space.

Today, the plaza remains part of everyday Oviedo—quiet most of the time, but occasionally used as a backdrop for local events. That mix of calm daily rhythm and historic context is exactly what makes it worth a short detour.

Things to See and Do in the Plaza de Feijoo

Start with the statue of Benito Jerónimo Feijoo in the middle of the square. It’s the natural focal point for photos and a useful orientation marker before you continue exploring the Old Town streets around San Vicente.

Next, take a slow loop around the edges of the plaza to appreciate the surrounding architecture and the way the square opens up between narrow lanes. This is a good place to look for small details—stonework, doorways, and the quiet interplay between religious heritage and university/civic life in the neighborhood.

If you're building a compact itinerary, pair Plaza de Feijoo with nearby Old Town highlights: it works well as a short stop between bigger “headline” sights, and it's especially pleasant in the early morning or near sunset when the light softens and foot traffic is lighter.

How to Get to the Plaza de Feijoo

The nearest major airport is Asturias Airport (OVD), around 45–60 minutes away by road depending on traffic and your exact route. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Oviedo on Booking.com.

Oviedo is well-connected by rail, and arriving by train is one of the easiest ways to reach the city center without a car; from the main station area, you can continue by taxi, bus, or on foot toward the Old Town. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for central parking garages on the edge of the historic center and finish the last stretch on foot, since Old Town streets can be narrow and restricted. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Plaza de Feijoo

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the morning for a quieter feel, or in late afternoon for softer light and better photos.
  • How long to spend: 10–25 minutes is enough for a look around and photos; longer if you’re pairing it with nearby churches and museums.
  • Accessibility: The area has typical Old Town slopes and paving; it’s manageable for many visitors, but expect some uneven surfaces and gradients.
  • Facilities: There are no dedicated facilities in the square itself; plan to use nearby cafés, museums, or public venues in central Oviedo.

Where to Stay Close to the Plaza de Feijoo

Base yourself in central Oviedo's Old Town/Centro area for the easiest walk to Plaza de Feijoo and the city's main sights.

Barceló Oviedo Cervantes A polished, comfortable option with a classic-city-hotel feel—great if you want an easy, reliable stay within walking distance of the historic center.

Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista A landmark stay with a grand, historic atmosphere; ideal if you want your hotel to feel like part of the Oviedo experience.

NH Oviedo Principado A practical, central base that’s convenient for walking to Old Town sights while keeping transport and shopping close by.

Hotel Fruela A solid mid-range choice that's popular for its location and comfort—handy for travelers who want to do most of Oviedo on foot.

Soho Boutique Oviedo A stylish, modern pick near the center—good if you like contemporary design but still want quick access to the Old Town.

Is the Plaza de Feijoo Worth Visiting?

Yes—Plaza de Feijoo is worth visiting if you enjoy small historic corners that add texture to a city walk. It's not a “big-ticket” attraction, but it's a pleasant, meaningful stop that helps connect nearby highlights and gives you a quieter glimpse of Oviedo's heritage.

Honest Pivot: If you’re short on time and only want major monuments or museums, you can skip it without missing a must-see interior. It shines most for travelers who like strolling, photographing details, and collecting small, characterful places between the larger sights.

For Different Travelers

Plaza de Feijoo is flexible: it can be a quick photo stop, a short breather between museums, or a calm spot to reset your route through the Old Town. Because it's outdoors and central, it's easy to fit into almost any Oviedo itinerary.

Families with Kids

For families, the plaza works best as a short break during a longer Old Town walk. Kids can move around more freely than on narrow streets, and adults can still enjoy the architecture and statue without needing a long attention span.

Pair it with a nearby museum stop or a treat break afterward to keep the pace comfortable. Since it’s a public square, it’s also easy to leave quickly if the weather turns.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate the quieter, tucked-away feel compared with busier cathedral-adjacent spots. It’s a good place for unhurried photos and a slow wander that feels more local than checklist tourism.

Visit in late afternoon, then continue to a nearby wine bar or dinner in the center. The square’s calm mood makes it a nice “in-between” moment on a romantic city stroll.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will like that Plaza de Feijoo is a free, outdoor sight that still feels distinctly Oviedo. It's a strong value stop when you're building a day around walking and a few carefully chosen paid attractions.

Use it as a connector between other free highlights in the Old Town, and plan your paid visits (museums, guided tours) around it rather than treating it as a destination on its own.

FAQs for Visiting Plaza de Feijoo

Getting There

Yes, it’s an easy walk through the Old Town area. The route is short and works well as part of a self-guided stroll.
You can get close by bus or taxi to central Oviedo, then walk the final stretch. The Old Town streets are better explored on foot.
Yes, it fits naturally into Old Town walking loops near major landmarks. Use it as a calm stop between busier sights.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public square and open to everyone. You can visit freely at any time.
No, the main draw is the square itself and the statue. Any paid visits would be to nearby museums or interiors elsewhere.
Some Old Town walking tours may pass through or mention it. If you’re booking a tour, check the route highlights in advance.

Visiting Experience

The statue of Benito Jerónimo Feijoo is the focal point. It’s also the easiest reference point for photos.
Most people treat it as a quick stop. It’s best enjoyed as part of a wider Old Town walk.
It’s often quieter than the busiest central squares. You’ll typically find a calm atmosphere outside of event times.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as a connector between the Cathedral area and nearby museum streets. It’s a natural pause point rather than a stand-alone destination.
Self-guided works well because the plaza is small and easy to understand visually. A guide adds context about Feijoo and the surrounding institutions.
Pair it with Old Town lanes, nearby churches, and museum stops. It also works well before a café break in central Oviedo.

Photography

Stand near the center to frame the statue with the surrounding buildings. Side angles can also capture the Old Town street character.
Morning is calmer, while late afternoon often brings softer light. Both are good depending on whether you want quiet or warmth in the scene.
Yes, it’s generally easy to photograph without getting in anyone’s way. Be mindful during events or peak pedestrian moments.

Accessibility & Facilities

It can be manageable, but expect slopes and typical Old Town paving. If mobility is a concern, plan a route with gentler gradients.
Not in the square itself. Use nearby cafés or public venues in central Oviedo.
There are usually spots to pause briefly, but it’s not a park-style plaza with extensive seating. Plan longer breaks at nearby cafés.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, central Oviedo has plenty of options within a short walk. It’s easy to turn this stop into a coffee or snack break.
Yes, it’s well-placed for timing a meal in the center. Use it as a short pre-meal stroll to build an appetite.
It’s more of a small urban square than a picnic spot. For a relaxed sit-down, nearby cafés are usually the better choice.

Safety & Timing

It’s in a central, well-visited part of Oviedo. Use normal city awareness, especially at night.
Yes, it can become livelier when events are held nearby. If you prefer quiet, visit earlier in the day.
It’s still visitable, but less comfortable for lingering. Consider pairing it with nearby indoor stops if the weather is wet.

Nearby Attractions to the Plaza de Feijoo

  • Oviedo Cathedral (Catedral de San Salvador): The city's headline monument and a must for Gothic architecture and Old Town atmosphere.
  • Museo Arqueológico de Asturias: A strong stop for regional history, conveniently close for pairing with the plaza.
  • Iglesia de Santa María la Real de la Corte: A notable nearby church that adds architectural context to the square’s surroundings.
  • Monasterio de San Pelayo: A historic monastic presence near the plaza that helps explain the area's long religious heritage.
  • Plaza de la Catedral / Old Town lanes: The surrounding streets are ideal for a slow wander, photos, and small discoveries between major sights.

The Plaza de Feijoo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Oviedo!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Plaza de Feijoo, 33009 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
Oviedo: 1 km

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