Covadonga Basilica and Sanctuary

Legend goes that in the 8th century the Moors had reached this point after conquering almost the entire Iberian Peninsula. Pelayo, as an improvised leader, together with a group of locals defeated the Moors with the help of the Virgin of Covadonga who appeared in the cave. At that point the reconquering of Spain slowly began; the Moors were finally defeated 8 centuries later.

Covadonga is nowadays a religious place as well as a tourist attraction, which is very popular during summer weekends. A magnificent Basilica raising up from rocks and vegetation surprises travellers who dare enter this part of Picos de Europa.

Covadonga Sanctuary is about 11kms from the town of Cangas de Onís (Asturias). For Asturians this is a place full of meaning where nature, religion and history are shared. The complex consists of the Basilica, the cave where the Virgin of Covadonga is said to have appeared, with its small chapel inside, some ecclesiastic buildings and a hotel.There is also a car park which really is not big enough to accommodate the amount of traffic on busy days (see Getting there section).

From Covadonga complex you can easily access Covadonga Lakes (Lagos de Covadonga) either on foot or by vehicle.

The Cave

There is a small chapel inside the cave and a few benches for those who wish to rest and pray. There is a statue of the virgin of Covadonga inside the chapel. There is also a tomb inside the cave which has an inscription on it which says:  “Here lies king Pelayo, elected in 716. The restoration of Spain began in this miraculous cave, the Moors were defeated. And he died in 737 along with his wife and sister”

There are two ways to get to the cave, one by walking across the Basilica esplanade and the other is by some steps below the cave. These steps are frequently used by pilgrims who go up on their knees, keeping a promise they have made to the virgin or perhaps asking for something.

The Basilica

The climb to the sanctuary is steep and windy but once at the top it is worth the effort just to see the magnificent Basilica and spectacular scenery.
The Basilica was built between 1877-1901. Rose-coloured stone from Covadonga mountain was used in the construction. King Alfonso XII inaugurated the building work by firing the first borehole into the “cueto” mountain.
Right by the Basilica entrance is a large statue of King Pelayo; the first king of Spain.

Getting there

From Cangas de Onís  take the AS-114 road and continue for 2,5km, when you get to a roundabout take the AS-262 and then follow the signs to the Basilica.

Note: During the summer months these roads are extremely busy and at times access is forbidden for private cars. When this happens minibuses are available to take tourists up to the Basilica and also to the lakes.