Tour de los misterios y leyendas de Oviedo offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s shadowy past, combining ghost stories, myth, and history into a compact 90-minute experience. Priced at just $11 per person, this guided walk takes you through key sites around Oviedo’s historic center, revealing the city’s secret side that often goes unnoticed by the casual visitor. Led by accredited guides like Denis Soria, this tour is both affordable and packed with authentic legends.
Two things we really like about this experience are its intimate, storytelling style—designed to spark curiosity—and its focus on local legends rooted in Oviedo’s history, such as the first documented exorcism and tales of witchcraft. It’s a rare chance to see the city not just as a tourist, but as a collector of stories and secrets. The tour’s duration makes it perfect for an evening activity, giving you a lively yet manageable taste of Oviedo’s darker tales.
A possible consideration is that the tour is conducted in Spanish, so non-Spanish speakers might want to check if bilingual guides are available. Also, because the experience covers some spooky legends and ghost stories, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a slightly eerie or mysterious tone. This tour is ideal for history buffs, mythology lovers, and those eager to explore the lesser-known, more enigmatic side of Oviedo.
Key Points
- Authentic storytelling brings Oviedo’s legends to life through local guides.
- Historical and mythological mix offers a captivating narrative about the city’s past.
- Night-time experience enhances the mysterious atmosphere.
- Affordable price at $11 makes it accessible for most travelers.
- Accessible and flexible with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
- Focus on local legends like the Holy Shroud, witches, goblins, and ghosts.
Exploring Oviedo’s Hidden Stories: An In-Depth Review
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The Core of the Tour: What’s Included and What to Expect
This guided tour is designed to reveal Oviedo’s hidden side, from its most ancient legends to its darker tales of witchcraft and ghostly encounters. Starting at the Puerta de la Catedral, the route takes you through the historic streets, weaving stories that have survived centuries. For just $11, you gain access to a 1.5-hour journey into the city’s mysterious past, led by an official, accredited guide fluent in Spanish.
The tour is highly praised for its rich storytelling and the guide’s personable approach. As Rubén notes in his review, “La familiaridad del historiador, el trato y el humor y participación que pone en los relatos” — the guide’s warmth, humor, and engagement make the stories come alive. We found this genuine enthusiasm helps transport you into Oviedo’s shadowy corners.
The Itinerary: From Exorcisms to Mythology
The route begins under the cathedral’s tower, where you hear about the curse of Oria, the earliest documented medieval exorcism. This sets the tone for a journey into the darker side of the city’s history. We loved how the guide explained the Holy Shroud, kept in the Holy Chamber, and its mysterious origins—one of those stories that combines mystery, faith, and history.
Moving beyond the cathedral, the tour takes you to San Tiso Church, where legends of kings and ancient tales are shared, giving a sense of the deep roots of local mythology. Asking about Oviedo’s relationship with witchcraft, the guide points out specific neighborhoods like El Fontán, where stories of drownings and supernatural sightings linger.
The tour also ventures into more eerie territory, such as the Socastiello neighborhood, with chilling ghost stories that even paranormal enthusiasts like Iker Jiménez would appreciate. The Azcárraga Street area provides a glimpse into the darker history of the city, including the fact that Oviedo was once a hiding place for Nazi criminals—an element that adds a layer of intrigue for history lovers.
Why These Stops Matter
Each location on the route isn’t just a scenic stop but a piece of the puzzle that is Oviedo’s mysterious past. The Palacio de la Rúa offers a glimpse into medieval architecture with a secretive past, while the Campusagráu Palace and nearby university grounds evoke legends about mythological beings from Asturian folklore. These stories aren’t just entertaining—they deepen your understanding of how local legends shape the city’s identity.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat Travelers Say
Reviews highlight the authenticity and engaging storytelling. Rubén’s review praises the guide’s humor and participation, making the experience both fun and educational. Many mention how the stories feel rooted in real history, which adds credibility and interest to the legends. The spooky tales of ghosts and drownings in the ancient lagoon in El Fontán are especially popular, offering a thrilling sense of connection to Oviedo’s past.
Practical Details: Timing, Accessibility, and Value
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it an excellent choice for an evening activity after a day of exploring. Since it is wheelchair accessible, it can accommodate travelers with mobility needs, an important point often overlooked in historic city tours.
The meeting point at Plaza Alfonso II is central and easily accessible, allowing you to start your journey without fuss. The price of $11 is quite reasonable, especially considering the depth of storytelling and the local expertise provided. The fact that you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund adds flexibility for travelers with changing plans.
The Value of Local Guides
Led by an official guide, the tour benefits from a deep knowledge of Oviedo’s history and legends. The local expertise ensures stories are accurate and engaging—something more generic tours can’t match. The guide’s ability to blend historical facts with myth and legend creates a compelling narrative that feels both educational and entertaining.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience suits history lovers eager to learn about Oviedo’s lesser-known stories. It’s also ideal for those interested in legends, ghosts, and mythological beings, especially given its focus on local folklore and spooky tales. Travelers looking for a low-cost, evening activity that’s both fun and enriching will find this tour well worth their time. Because it’s delivered in Spanish, it’s best for Spanish speakers or those willing to enjoy the stories with a little translation.
Final Thoughts
The Tour de los misterios y leyendas de Oviedo stands out for its authentic, well-told stories that bring the city’s hidden past vividly into focus. For just $11, you get a lively, atmospheric walk through some of Oviedo’s most intriguing sites, filled with legends, ghosts, and secrets that have survived centuries. It’s a perfect addition to any evening itinerary, especially for travelers craving a mix of history and mystery.
If you’re curious about Oviedo’s spiritual and mythological layers, or simply want a different perspective on this historic city, this tour offers genuine insight wrapped in entertainment. It’s a rare chance to see Oviedo as more than just a tourist spot—it’s a place with stories that continue to haunt and fascinate.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
Currently, the tour is conducted in Spanish, so non-Spanish speakers might find it challenging to follow along unless they understand the language. It’s worth checking if bilingual guides are available.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable activity for an evening outing.
Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Puerta de la Catedral de Oviedo, located in Plaza Alfonso II, a convenient central spot.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning.
Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing those with mobility needs to participate comfortably.
What kind of stories are included?
Expect to hear about exorcisms, ghosts, witchcraft, legends of Asturian mythology, and stories involving historic sites like the Holy Shroud and medieval towers.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most, be aware that some stories are spooky or dark, so consider your children’s comfort with ghost stories and legends.
What is the value of this experience?
For only $11, you receive an authentic, lively storytelling experience that adds a mysterious and historical dimension to your Oviedo visit—an excellent value for a memorable, local-guided walk.
Embark on this nighttime journey into Oviedo’s secret stories, and you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for this city’s enigmatic character.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tours in Oviedo
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