Santa Cueva

Picos de Europa


This cave, now with a chapel installed, is where the Virgin supposedly appeared to Pelayo's warriors before their 722 CE victory over the Muslims. Weekends and summers see long queues of the faithful and curious lining up to enter. Of the cave's two tombs, one is claimed to contain the remains of Pelayo himself and his wife Gaudiosa and his sister; the other, Pelayo's daughter Ermesinda and her husband Alfonso I.

The Fuente de los Siete Caños spring, beside the waterfall and pool below the cave, promises marriage within one year to women who drink from it.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Picos de Europa attractions

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2. Museo de Covadonga

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Some of Spain’s best cave art, including superb horse paintings probably done around 15,000 to 10,000 BCE, lie inside the World Heritage–listed Cueva de…

6. Cueva de Tito Bustillo

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7. Cueva del Queso de Cabrales

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8. Playa de Vega

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The broad, 1.5km-long sands of Playa de Vega, 8km west of Ribadesella, are among the least known of northern Spain's finest beaches. There are three or…

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