The Principality of Asturias (El Principado de Asturias)

Perhaps the most well known person connected to Ovideo is the 19th century writer Leopoldo Alas, also known as “Clarin”. He lived in Oviedo and used the city as a backdrop for his literary masterpiece titled La Regenta though it is referred to as Vetusta in the novel. Alas was a journalist and taught law at the University of Oviedo, but he is most famous for his work as novelist and literary critic. In La Regenta (The Regent’s Wife), the main character, Ana Ozores, is a young lady married to a much older man when she is romanced by two others, one a priest. The novel is a sharp commentary on society of the time and is considered to be one of Spain’s greatest 19th century novels.

Statue of Alas in the Humanities building at the University of Oviedo

La Regenta statue at the Cathedral of Oviedo Plaza

La Regenta

The Humanities building at the University of Oviedo

The Spanish author, philosopher, economist, and statesman was born in the Cimadevilla neighborhood of Gijón in 1744. After studying at the University of Oviedo, Jovellanos served in various government positions around Spain. He is most famous for his writings and ideas on agrarian land reform which helped to free farming from control of large estates and the Catholic Church bringing reform in many sectors including education. Jovellanos’ name is found in many places in Gijón as befits a man of his contributions to Spanish society.

The house in Gijón where I stayed during my sabbatical was adjacent to Jovellanos’ birthplace and childhood home.

Portrait of Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos (1744-1811)

Jovellanos birth house in Cimadevilla, Gijón

Jovellanos Theater in central Gijón