History of the building

The Conservatory lies behind the Cathedral, in the ‘Corrada del Obispo’ square. It is stands in the building which is commonly known as the House of Dean Payarinos, the fond name given to the Oviedo canon, Benigno Rodríguez Pajares. In fact, this served as his seat. He had ordered it to be re-built in 1900, based on the design created by the architect Juan Miguel de la Guardia. Endowed with an oblong façade, it is a building that displays both eclectic and modern characteristics. Extensive refurbishment was needed to put an end to its decline and avoid its falling into ruins; in fact, only the twin-bodied façade was preserved, with its projecting balconies, upper balustrade, grand-sized doors, two circular corners with their respective look-out points, etc. After its complete refurbishment the building became home to the Eduardo Martínez Torner Superior Music Conservatory — in memory of the distinguished and much-loved asturian musicologist from the turn-of-the-century.