It may be small compared to some of Oviedo’s other squares, but Plaza de Porlier has lots to see and is brimming with history. Make an effort to stop here in the daytime to watch Spaniards go about their daily lives, or head here after the sunsets to see the beautiful public art lit up.
Stop to look at the beautiful façade of the Palacio de Camposagrado, a Baroque building that is one of Oviedo’s architectural gems. In fact, it was nominated as a historic-artistic monument in 1943 and currently houses the Superior Court of Justice.
Another fascinating landmark within the square is a sculpture known as The Traveler. Get close to the bronze artwork and notice how it appears to be a man, resting with his suitcases and wearing a coat and a hat. It was 1993 when the sculpture first came to the plaza, designed by Eduardo Úrculo.
Carry on to the other side of the square to find the Palacio de Toreno, a building constructed in the 17th century and restored in 1957. This was the birthplace of José María Queipo de Llano, an aristocratic politician well known in the area. Find the plaque on the palace commemorating his birth.
Finish your tour of the Plaza de Porlier by stopping by the Tribunal Superior de JusticiadeAsturias, one of the buildings of the High Court of Asturias. Recognize it by the flags hanging above the doorway in the front facade. Also in the square is the Teatro Filarmónica (Philharmonic Theater), one of Oviedo’s largest performing arts spaces.
The proximity of the square to other important Oviedo landmarks, including San Francisco Park, makes it the perfect stop on a longer sightseeing tour. Sit on a bench in the square to enjoy the atmosphere, or make a brief visit on your way to other sights.
Plaza de Porlier is completely pedestrianized, which means you will need to park the car in metered parking nearby and walk in or take public transportation and then explore on foot.