722c. 722 to 910 · Covadonga, Asturias
Covadonga and the kingdom of Asturias
In about 722 a Visigothic noble, Pelayo, beat a Muslim force at Covadonga in the Picos de Europa, according to chronicles written some 150 years later. The small Christian kingdom he founded in Asturias survived, built a distinctive style of churches and halls around its capital, Oviedo, and is traditionally seen as the starting point of the Reconquista.
Sites
- Site 1: Holy Cave of CovadongaCliff-face cave shrine holding the tomb said to be Pelayo's, below the basilica.Map ↗
- Site 2: Santa María del NarancoNinth-century royal hall on the hillside above Oviedo.Map ↗
- Site 3: San Miguel de LilloSurviving part of a royal church with carved door jambs.Map ↗
- Site 4: Oviedo Cathedral and the Cámara SantaNinth-century chapel holding the kingdom's jewelled crosses and relics.Map ↗
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