Umbrella Square (Oviedo)
One of the most peculiar and interesting places in Oviedo is its curious and enigmatic Umbrella Square, located on the site where a Romanesque church consecrated to St. Isidore was formerly located and of which only one of its arches remains standing.
The origin of this curious square dates back to 1926 when the site was used as an important food market. The decision was made to replace it with a milk market, which made it necessary to build a covered area.
The engineer responsible for the construction of the market, Sánchez del Río, received the order. His design took the shape of an immense umbrella made of concrete and consisting of a series of vaults made of one-centimetre-thick uralite. The aim was for the project to be practical, resistant and visually interesting.
As time passed, the milk market disappeared, leaving the lot with the immense umbrella. Eventually, it became a square used as a meeting place for political events, as a regular meeting point and, finally, as a recreational square.
Another of Umbrella Square's great attractions is the fact that it is surrounded by bars, restaurants and nightlife venues that have made it an ideal meeting point, especially for tourists and visitors.
In addition, Umbrella Square is used as a site for concerts and musical events, as well as other cultural activities of great attraction, such as the traditional “Danza Prima”, which took place in that square until 1978.
The origin of this curious square dates back to 1926 when the site was used as an important food market. The decision was made to replace it with a milk market, which made it necessary to build a covered area.
The engineer responsible for the construction of the market, Sánchez del Río, received the order. His design took the shape of an immense umbrella made of concrete and consisting of a series of vaults made of one-centimetre-thick uralite. The aim was for the project to be practical, resistant and visually interesting.
As time passed, the milk market disappeared, leaving the lot with the immense umbrella. Eventually, it became a square used as a meeting place for political events, as a regular meeting point and, finally, as a recreational square.
Another of Umbrella Square's great attractions is the fact that it is surrounded by bars, restaurants and nightlife venues that have made it an ideal meeting point, especially for tourists and visitors.
In addition, Umbrella Square is used as a site for concerts and musical events, as well as other cultural activities of great attraction, such as the traditional “Danza Prima”, which took place in that square until 1978.
Location
What to see in Oviedo
