March 2008

This stamp is issued on occasion of the 400 Anniversary of the Foundation of the University of Oviedo.

400 Anniversary of
the University of Oviedo

On the 21st of September 1608, the University of Oviedo started teaching Law, Canons and Theology. It was founded by archbishop Fernando Valdés Salas who left it written in his will that this university be founded. Fernando Valdés had been chairman of the Council of Castille, archbishop of Seville and general inquisitor during the reigns of Charles I and Philip II. Moved by his cultural and humanistic interests, he had previously founded the Recoletas School for orphan girls and the San Gregorio school for teaching boys grammar and Latin.

The university began its educational activity aiming at reinforcing the old education but improving the organization with rules based on the “Old Rules” (“Estatutos Viejos”) which remained unchanged until 1707. During the French invasion, the building was occupied by Napoleon’s troops and all academic activity was cancelled until they were expelled.

Many famous characters such as Benito Feijóo, Pedro Rodriquez Campomanes, Leopoldo Alas “Clarin” and Aniceto Sela y Sampil have studied in this university.

The historic building was the work of Architect Rodrigo Gil de Hontañon. Sober and with a square floor, it has a central renaissance style courtyard where stands the statue of the university founder. Amongst the scarce ornamentation on its façade, stands out the coat of arms of the Valdés family.

The stamp depicts the main corner of the university building and the commemorative logo of the 400 Anniversary of the University of Oviedo (IV Centenario Universidad de Oviedo 1608-2008).