Covadonga also has a lot of historical height. One of its most legendary heights is an unparalleled feat, a first-rate historical benchmark for remote Spain. In this place, armed with stones and little else, the territorial hordes they began the Reconquest of the peninsula and the constitution of an entire Asturian kingdom. With Pelayo at the helmThe Arabs retreated, humiliated.
Legend has it that the Astures patiently hid in the recesses of these mountains, waiting for their opportunity. In 722 They would come out of their hiding place to see their faces with their enemy and finally succeed in what we know today as the Battle of Covadonga. The indigenous militias were far less numerous than those of the "infidels." The victory took on epic overtones and entered with its own name in the annals of history and in the chapters of textbooks. A sculpture of Don Pelayo in the vicinity of the basilica, shows us a firm and serene man, protagonist of an era.
The cave of the Virgin of Covadonga
In the name of the legend we can continue talking about Covadonga. Ancient chroniclers argued that the cult of Santina is older than it may seem, and that already in Pelayo's time the Virgin was highly regarded and decisively influenced the Christian victory. «Pequena and galla», as the song saysShe has had a cave all to herself ever since.
Carved into the rock, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in Covadonga, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year seeking a blessing. Within this intimate and secluded Catholic sanctuary, prayers take on a deeper meaning than the cameras or the tourist gaze, though these too are abundant in the surrounding area.
The cave can be accessed by a staircase of 101 rungs in which it is usual to see demonstrations of penitents in fulfillment of some promise, many raise it on their knees, praying or kissing the ground, with candles lit or arms crossed, some giving thanks and others praying for a miraculous response from the Lady.
Etymologically Covadonga comes from the Latin expression "Cova dominica" which means "Cave of the Lady". On October 17, 1777 the sanctuary was practically destroyed due to a great fire. The current image of the Virgin, after this fire, has a gentler and more graceful face than the previous one, according to what is said. It is erected on a stone pedestal, and its size and delicacy justify the affectionate name of "la Santina". Along with her image rest the bones of King Pelayo and Alfonso I, and in the air they breathe the admiration that two Popes, John XXIII and John Paul II, professed on their visits to the Asturian sanctuary.
From the immense rock, just below the grotto of the Virgin, an impressive waterfall As it falls, it forms a pool into which visitors must perform the ritual of throwing a coin. The glint of the base metal remains without any profit motive, sunk as a repository only for immaterial desires.
Another popular ritual is associated with the Fountain of the Seven Spouts, which is also located under the cave and of which it is said verbatim: «the Virgin of Covadonga, has a very clear source, the girl who drinks from it, marries within the year». Anyone in a hurry to get married already knows ... quench their thirst in Covadonga.
The basilica of Covadonga
We went from the divine cave to human architecture. The beauty Basilica of Covadonga it was built between 1877 and 1901The disappearance of its original plans, possibly during the Civil War, left it without its original blueprint. However, this monument is considered one of the finest examples of late 19th-century Neo-Romanesque architecture.
It recently celebrated its first centenary proudly, always standing tall atop Cueto Hill, on the edge of a semicircular abyss. The building It is visible from everywhere and it attracts looks like a powerful magnet with human eyes. Inside you breathe the expected calm, and an immemorial organ It sounds on the heights when it touches ceremony.
Until the end of the 8th century the cult was very poor; Some pilgrims arrived in Covadonga in the summer and especially during the Novena and Feast of the Virgin on September XNUMX. The Shrine had poor communications, and the canons did not reside there but instead came in turn to celebrate mass. Today everything has changed. A large group of ecclesiastics watch over worship and facilities, and visitors have grown in number to exceed all expectations.
The Lakes of Covadonga
constitute a natural gate to the Picos de Europa National Park. Only at 12 km, ascending through a narrow and steep road, you reach the beautiful places where the lakes of Enol and La Ercina meet: The Lakes of Covadonga. Before organizing our visit, we must take into account the access restrictions that the Principality of Asturias has in this area due to the high influx of visitors. You can see all the information in the links that we leave you below.
Lakes of Covadonga
Climbing the Lagos de Covadonga has merit, especially if you do it by bicycle. They are 12 kilometers ... Read more
Access to Lakes of Covadonga 2026
If we want to go up to the Covadonga Lakes we must keep in mind that access is regulated. A fleet of… Read more
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
