San Miguel de Lillo
A 9th-century pre-Romanesque church, a UNESCO gem on Monte Naranco, showcasing unique Asturian art and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer tour groups
San Miguel de Lillo
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 9th-century pre-Romanesque church, a UNESCO gem on Monte Naranco, showcasing unique Asturian art and history.
"A beautiful and well-maintained monument—rich in history and definitely worth a visit."
🎟️ Guided Tours Essential
Entry is often via guided tour. Book in advance or arrive early at Santa María del Naranco to secure your spot.
🚫 No Bags Inside
To protect the delicate interiors, large bags and backpacks are discouraged.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Asturian Pre-Romanesque Architecture
Monte Naranco
Marvel at the unique 9th-century architecture, a testament to the Asturian Pre-Romanesque style.
Intricate Stone Carvings
Interior and exterior
Discover detailed reliefs and carvings on doorframes and walls, echoing the artistry of its era.
Remnants of Byzantine Murals
Interior
See faint traces of Byzantine-style murals and decorations, offering a glimpse into its original splendor.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to San Miguel de Lillo
Getting to San Miguel de Lillo
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Guided Tours Essential
Entry is often via guided tour. Book in advance or arrive early at Santa María del Naranco to secure your spot.
🚫 No Bags Inside
To protect the delicate interiors, large bags and backpacks are discouraged.
📸 Photography Restrictions
Photography is not permitted inside the church to preserve the ancient artwork.
🚶 Combine with Santa María
Visit both San Miguel de Lillo and Santa María del Naranco together for a comprehensive experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Guided Tours Essential
Entry is often via guided tour. Book in advance or arrive early at Santa María del Naranco to secure your spot.
🚫 No Bags Inside
To protect the delicate interiors, large bags and backpacks are discouraged.
📸 Photography Restrictions
Photography is not permitted inside the church to preserve the ancient artwork.
🚶 Combine with Santa María
Visit both San Miguel de Lillo and Santa María del Naranco together for a comprehensive experience.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is limited nearby. Consider walking from Oviedo or using public transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise San Miguel de Lillo as a beautiful, well-maintained historical monument rich in pre-Romanesque architecture and significance. Its intricate carvings and remnants of murals are highlights, though the lack of nearby parking and photography restrictions inside are noted drawbacks. Access via guided tour is essential.
"A beautiful and well-maintained monument—rich in history and definitely worth a visit. It’s a great piece of heritage that stands out. Just a heads-up: there’s no parking nearby, so plan ahead. Otherwise, a lovely spot!"
A L
"Known as “Samiguel de Lliño” in the local dialect, Iglesia San Miguel de Lillo was built in the mid-800s. This historic church, which is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its pre-Romanesque architecture & history, can be visited in conjunction with guided tours of the neighboring church / palace Iglesia Santa Maria del Naranco (€4 entrance fee for guided tour of both churches that lasts 30 to 45 minutes). It is a small church that has intricate carvings similar to the ones at the neighboring church and also has remains of a mural that depict shapes and humans. Photography is not permitted inside the church and carrying bags / backpacks (anything that can accidentally touch the walls) is discouraged. The walk from Iglesia Santa Maria del Naranco is less than five minutes; the walk from the center of Oviedo is approximately an hour - there are nice views of the city if you walk up though it is possible to drive."
Nanita
"Originally a much larger church, part of it collapsed due to a landslide in the 12th century. The remaining sections of the structure were preserved, with some of the fallen parts reattached. Like Santa María del Naranco, it was built around 848 AD and originally served as a royal chapel for King Ramiro I. The building follows the Asturian Pre-Romanesque style, featuring notable reliefs and carvings on the stone doorframes and walls. Inside, there are Byzantine-style murals and decorations. Photography is not allowed inside. Since access to the interior is only possible through a guided tour, so it is advisable to queue in front of Santa María del Naranco first, and visit this church afterward at the appropriate time. Keep in mind that the guide speaks only Spanish."
Seokjin Ham
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive, take a taxi, or walk from Oviedo. The walk is about an hour uphill and offers scenic views, but can be strenuous. Many visitors combine it with Santa María del Naranco, which is a short walk away.
Parking is very limited near the church. It's advisable to arrive early if you're driving or consider alternative transportation.
While direct public transport to the church is limited, you can take a bus to Oviedo and then arrange a taxi or embark on the walk.
The walk is approximately an hour and involves an uphill climb. It's rewarding for the views but requires a good level of fitness.
Most visitors access both sites from Monte Naranco. Driving is an option, but parking is scarce. A guided tour often covers both.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, access to the interior of San Miguel de Lillo is typically only possible through a guided tour, often combined with Santa María del Naranco.
A combined ticket for a guided tour of both San Miguel de Lillo and Santa María del Naranco usually costs around €4.
Opening hours are tied to the guided tour schedules, which can vary. It's best to check the official tourism website or arrive early at Santa María del Naranco for tour information.
Generally, no. Access to the interior is restricted and requires participation in a guided tour.
Tickets for the guided tour that includes San Miguel de Lillo are typically purchased at the ticket office for Santa María del Naranco.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the church to protect its ancient murals and delicate structures.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of the exterior of the church and its surroundings.
Focus on capturing the unique architectural details and the stunning views from Monte Naranco. Drone photography is also popular here.
Try capturing it from slightly below to emphasize its structure against the sky, or from a distance to include the landscape.
The flash and presence of cameras can damage the ancient murals and delicate stone surfaces over time.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of Asturian Pre-Romanesque architecture, built in the 9th century for King Ramiro I.
It showcases the Asturian Pre-Romanesque style, characterized by its unique stone carvings, barrel vaults, and decorative reliefs.
Its compact size and the story of its partial collapse and reconstruction contribute to its romantic, almost delicate, appeal.
Part of the church collapsed in the 12th century due to a landslide. The remaining sections were preserved and some fallen parts reattached.
It was built around 848 AD as a royal chapel for King Ramiro I of Asturias.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the visual aspects of the church – the unique stone carvings and the sheer age of the building can spark curiosity.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1 The intricate stone carvings, the surviving fragments of Byzantine-style murals, and the very structure of the church tell a story of a distinct cultural and artistic era. Delve into the historical context of King Ramiro I and the Kingdom of Asturias. Understand the architectural innovations that set this style apart and appreciate the challenges of preservation, especially given the church's partial collapse.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Asturian Pre-Romanesque Marvel
+1 The church's survival, despite a significant collapse in the 12th century, adds to its historical narrative and resilience. Visitors are struck by the unique decorative elements, such as the detailed reliefs on the doorframes and walls, and the surviving fragments of murals depicting human figures and abstract shapes.
Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site underscores its global importance. The church is often visited in conjunction with the nearby Santa María del Naranco, another masterpiece from the same period, allowing for a comprehensive appreciation of this distinct architectural era.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Insights
Transportation and parking can be a challenge. While a scenic walk from Oviedo is possible, it's a steep, hour-long ascent. Parking directly at the site is very limited, making public transport, taxis, or combining the visit with a longer exploration of Monte Naranco more practical options.
For the best experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings or late afternoons, to avoid the largest crowds.
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