Name: Holy Cave
Rating: 2

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Asturias

Cangas De Onis

Cangas De Onís

Holy Cave

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Spain

Asturias

Cangas De Onis

Cangas De Onís

Holy Cave

Recommended by 6 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

(12)

494

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

27.8km

02:29

1,080m

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

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4.8

(13)

811

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2. Collado Les Veleres – Views of the Roman bridge loop from Benia de Onís

57.7km

04:21

1,410m

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

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4.1

(8)

447

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3. Views of the Roman bridge – Climb to Lagos de Covadonga loop from Ozanes

60.5km

04:32

1,440m

1,430m

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

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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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Elevation 290 m

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Tuesday 7 October

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See rides here

Take Me There

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

Holy Cave

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

2. Collado Les Veleres – Views of the Roman bridge loop from Benia de Onís

3. Views of the Roman bridge – Climb to Lagos de Covadonga loop from Ozanes

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