On the Cerro del Cueto hill stands the beautiful basilica of Santa María la Real, built entirely with pink limestone and considered one of the best examples of Neo-Romanesque architecture of the late 19th century. The temple is a particularly beautiful sight when the mist covers part of the walls, leaving only the towers in sight, whose pink colour contrasts with the verdant green of the landscape.
In the open area in front of the imposing basilica, you’ll find a statue of Don Pelayo, erected in 1964 as a monument to the first king of the kingdom of Asturias. Also noteworthy are La Campanona, a great green bell measuring just under ten feet high, the obelisk with a replica of the Cruz de la Victoria of 1857, and the Chapter House of the monastery of San Pedro, a noble Romanesque building from the 17th century.
A little further up is the Santa Cueva, an impressive cave that houses the chapel and image of the Virgin of Covadonga, popularly known as “La Santina”. This shrine, which also houses the tomb of Don Pelayo, is believed to have been the hiding place of the forces of the regent during the battle of Covadonga. It is not to be missed: book one of our cheap trips to Covadonga now to visit this historical place that is sure to fascinate all visitors.
Covadonga is the door to the Asturian region of the Picos de Europa National Park, a spectacular spot that is home to the lakes of Covadonga. To reach the glacial lakes of Enol and La Ercina, you’ll have to take the narrow CO-4 road. Once there, you can take in some extraordinary views from the Mirador del Príncipe, the Prince’s Viewpoint. If you want to explore the park, there are several routes of various difficulty levels and durations.
If you’re planning on spending a few days in this wonderful natural enclave, we recommend you consult the package deals to Covadonga, as you can be sure that you’ll find an offer that will meet all your expectations. Keep in mind that this town is only accessible by land, so renting a hire car is also a good idea.
