Look ahead for a building that truly wants to be noticed-it’s tall and grand, with creamy white stone wrapping around rounded corners and huge windows peeking out like curious eyes. At the very top, you can’t miss the big copper dome, shining a little like a crown, and the large letters proudly spelling “Banco Herrero.” There’s even a clock above the entrance, so if you’re running late for the next stop, at least you’ll know exactly how late!
Now, picture yourself standing in front of this impressive building on Calle Fruela. Imagine it’s 1911-horses clop down the street, men in hats and women in long skirts pass by, and everyone glances up at this brand-new bank, a true sign that Oviedo is growing and buzzing with life. Banco Herrero was born that year, thanks to a very ambitious local named Policarpo Herrero Vázquez. Actually, his legacy lasted three generations-this place was almost like the family treasure chest, with every new Herrero in charge passing the keys along, like the world’s most responsible game of “pass the parcel.”
You’d never believe how far this bank tried to stretch its arms. They opened branches in Madrid, Gijón, Avilés, you name it-a bit like if Oviedo’s local bakery decided to sprinkle Asturias with croissants! But life isn’t always sweet. In the ’80s, Banco Herrero gobbled up Banca Masaveu, another Asturian bank, and was later bought by bigger sharks-first La Caixa, then Banco Sabadell. In a twist fit for a detective novel, Banco Herrero vanished as its own official company in 2002, right after being absorbed by Sabadell. But don’t worry-the spirit lives on under the name SabadellHerrero. It’s a bit like a superhero with a new costume!
If the building looks a little familiar, you might have seen it in the film “Luz de domingo”-yes, it’s had its moment in the spotlight as well. And as you stand here, listen… can you almost hear the ringing of old coins, or the excited whispers of hopeful business owners lining up at these doors more than a hundred years ago? The Banco Herrero isn’t just a bank; it’s survived the drama of family sagas, financial thrillers, and even movie roles. Not bad for what started as just a local dream… and maybe the only bank where generations of presidents shared the same family dinners! Ready for the next stop?
