Covadonga Sanctuary
Asturias, Principado de
The Covadonga Sanctuary, located in the foothills of Monte Auseva in Asturias, Spain, is a significant Catholic pilgrimage site centered around the Santa Cueva (Holy Cave). This cave, accessible by climbing 103 steps or through a grotto near a pond, is traditionally linked to Don Pelayo, the first king of Asturias, who is said to have sought refuge here during the Battle of Covadonga. The sanctuary houses a neoromantic chapel designed by architect Luis Menéndez-Pidal y Álvarez, replacing earlier structures damaged by fire. The wooden polychrome statue of the Virgin Mary, known as La Santina, dates from the 16th century and was donated by the Oviedo cathedral in 1778. The site symbolizes the Christian resistance against Muslim forces during the early Reconquista, with chronicles recounting miraculous interventions attributed to the Virgin Mary. The sanctuary also serves as a royal pantheon, purportedly containing the tombs of Don Pelayo, Queen Gaudiosa, Alfonso I the Catholic, and Queen Ermesinda. The name 'Covadonga' derives from Celtic roots meaning 'source of the cave,' reflecting the area's historical and linguistic heritage. Today, Covadonga Sanctuary remains a vital spiritual and cultural landmark, attracting visitors for its religious significance, architectural beauty, and historical legacy.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during religious festivals. The climb to the Holy Cave involves 103 steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Tickets or guided tours may be available through the official sanctuary website. Discounts are often offered for groups, seniors, and students. The best time to visit is in spring or early autumn when weather conditions are favorable and the site is less crowded.
Faits intéressants
- •The sanctuary's name 'Covadonga' comes from the Celtic phrase 'Cova de onnica,' meaning 'source of the cave.'
- •The original wooden statue of the Virgin Mary was destroyed in a fire in 1777; the current statue dates from the 16th century.
- •During the Spanish Civil War, the Virgin's image disappeared and was later found in the Spanish embassy in France in 1939.
- •The cave was reportedly a refuge for Don Pelayo and his forces during the Battle of Covadonga, where they survived on honey from wild bees.
- •The sanctuary is considered the cradle of the Christian Reconquista in Spain.
Histoire
The origins of the Covadonga Sanctuary trace back to the early 8th century, linked to Don Pelayo's victory in the Battle of Covadonga, marking the start of the Christian Reconquista.
Alfonso I, known as 'the Catholic,' commissioned the first chapel in the cave to commemorate this victory.
Over centuries, the sanctuary evolved, with significant reconstruction in the 18th century after a fire destroyed the original wooden statue of the Virgin.
The current neoromantic chapel was built by Luis Menéndez-Pidal y Álvarez in the 19th century.
The site also became a royal pantheon, believed to house remains of Asturian royalty, although the authenticity of some tombs remains debated among historians.
Guide du lieu
Holy Cave (Santa Cueva)8th century origins, current chapel 19th century
The central feature of the sanctuary, this cave chapel is accessed by climbing 103 steps or through a grotto. It houses the revered statue of the Virgin Mary, La Santina, and altars dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and Saint Andrew. The cave symbolizes the refuge and miraculous protection during the Battle of Covadonga.
Royal Pantheon of CovadongaMedieval period, with later commemorations
A section of the sanctuary believed to contain the tombs of notable Asturian royalty including Don Pelayo, Queen Gaudiosa, Alfonso I the Catholic, and Queen Ermesinda. The authenticity of the tombs is historically debated but they hold great symbolic importance.
Contact
Téléphone: 985 84 60 96
