Covadonga - Holy Cave

(Local Name: Santa Cueva) Across the Covadonga square from the church and to the left is a tunnel leading to the Santa Cueva, high up on the rock face above a pool into which a waterfall tumbles. In front of a tiny chapel is the altar with the figure of the Virgin of Covadonga (18th century), which is always surrounded by worshippers. In a recess on the right is a sarcophagus which is believed to contain the mortal remains of Pelayo, his wife Gaudiosa and his sister Hemisinda.