🏞️ Covadonga: History, Battle, and Asturian Tradition

Covadonga is much more than a natural setting: it is the spiritual, historical, and cultural symbol of Asturias. This is where it all began. Here the legend of Don Pelayo was forged, the battle that would mark the start of the Reconquista, and the devotion to the Virgin of Covadonga, known as the “Santina”.

📜 The Battle of Covadonga

On May 28, 722, Pelayo resisted the assault of the Muslim army in the famous Cova Dominica. Accompanied by 300 Gothic warriors, skilled in the terrain and in the use of slings and bows, they repelled attacks from the gorges using strategy and ambushes.

🌩️ Tradition says that during the battle, the skies opened and a bright cross appeared over the battlefield. Pelayo joined two oak sticks into the shape of a cross, raised it, and a rain of stones fell upon the enemy. Thus, the Christians defeated the army sent from Córdoba.

🏰 This victory forced Munuza to retreat from Gijón and led to the birth of a rebel kingdom with its capital in Cangas de Onís. The Battle of Covadonga is considered the first step of the Reconquista of Spain.

🙏 The Santina and the Basilica

Today, the cave of Covadonga holds the venerated image of the Virgin of Covadonga, affectionately known as the Santina, a symbol of devotion for all Asturians.

Just a few meters away rises the Basilica of Santa María la Real de Covadonga, built between 1877 and 1901 from pink limestone in a Neo-Romanesque style. Designed by Federico Aparici y Soriano and based on the plans of Roberto Frassinelli, it is one of Spain’s most emblematic temples.

🌄 Covadonga is history, faith, identity, and landscape. A place every lover of Asturias should visit at least once in their lifetime.