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Natural Monuments

Holy Cave

Natural Monuments

Holy Cave

Highlight • Religious Site

Holy Cave

Name: Holy Cave
Rating: 2

Recommended by 7 cyclists

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Parque Nacional de Picos de Europa

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Location: Cangas De Onís, Cangas De Onis, Asturias, Spain

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Top cycling routes to Holy Cave

4.9

(14)

470

riders

1. Lagos de Covadonga — circular from the Basilica and Cueva de Covadonga

27.8km

02:29

1,080m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.2

(13)

792

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2. Views of the Roman bridge – Les Veleres Pass loop from Cangas de Onís / Cangues d'Onís

54.4km

04:06

1,300m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

3.8

(4)

262

riders

3. Lake Enol – Les Veleres Pass loop from Fuentes

75.7km

05:42

1,740m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Tips

Willem VS

October 2, 2022

The Santa Cueva or 'Sacred Cave' is located above a waterfall that forms a pool below this sanctuary.
Next to it is the Fuente de los Siete Caños (Fountain of Seven Spouts), also known as the 'Wedding Fountain' because of the traditional belief that any young girl who drinks the water without stopping to catch her breath will be married within a year. The verse goes like this: 'The Virgin of Covadonga / Has a fountain so glassy; / every girl who drinks his water / will marry in a year'.
On either side of the road, guarding the sanctuary's entrance, are two large lions sculpted in Carrara marble. They are exact replicas of sculptures by Pompeio Marchesi.
Entering the cave with the Virgin of Covadonga - the most worshiped image in Asturias - poses little challenge. Simply climb the 103 steps of the Stairway of Promise (some pilgrims do this on their knees). The cave is also accessible from the esplanade of the basilica. Pilgrims come here to worship la Santina, which is in fact a copy of the original statue that was destroyed by a fire in 1777. The altar is decorated with images referring to the battle of Covadonga. Nearby are the tombs of Pelagius of Asturias and his wife Gauiosa, and those of his son-in-low Alfonso I and daughter Hermelinda.
Next to the Santa Cueva is the Monastery of San Pedro. It is home to a community of canons and also has a house for spiritual exercises.

Translated by Google •

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Details

Informations

Elevation 290 m

Weather

Wednesday 14 January

4°C

1°C

97 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h

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See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Cangas De Onís, Cangas De Onis, Asturias, Spain

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Santuario de Covadonga

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Climb to Lagos de Covadonga from Cangas de Onís

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Holy Cave of Covadonga

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Santa Cueva de Covadonga

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Holy Cave and Wishing Well of Covadonga

Mirador de los Lagos de Covadonga

Lago Enol

Vista del lago Enol

Holy Cave

1. Lagos de Covadonga — circular from the Basilica and Cueva de Covadonga

2. Views of the Roman bridge – Les Veleres Pass loop from Cangas de Onís / Cangues d'Onís

3. Lake Enol – Les Veleres Pass loop from Fuentes

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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