Oviedo, city in northwestern Spain, capital of the autonomous region of Asturias, near Gijón. It is a transportation and industrial center for an agricultural and mining region. The principal manufactures include firearms, processed food, textiles, chemicals, and metal products. Oviedo is famed as the site of several medieval churches and a cathedral, Sancta Ovetensis. Begun in 1388, the cathedral contains the royal Asturian tombs. The city is also the site of the University of Oviedo (1608) and an archaeological museum. Founded about the middle of the 8th century, Oviedo reached the height of its importance during the 9th century, when it was the capital of the kingdom of Asturias. Oviedo was sacked by the French during the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815), and was badly damaged during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Population (1998 estimate) 199,549.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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