In the green valleys of Asturias, the Ruta de la Reconquista traces the path taken by King Pelayo and his warriors to their fateful confrontation with the Moors at Covadonga in 722 AD. This route commemorates the battle that began the Reconquista - the seven-century struggle that would eventually reclaim the Iberian Peninsula for Christianity.
📜 History & Significance
When Muslim armies swept through Iberia after 711 AD, a Visigothic nobleman named Pelayo retreated to the mountains of Asturias with a band of followers. According to tradition, at the cave of Covadonga, the Virgin Mary appeared to Pelayo and promised victory. Against overwhelming odds, the small Christian force defeated the Muslim army - beginning the long Reconquista.
The Ruta de la Reconquista traces the traditional route of Pelayo's army to this pivotal battle, passing through the landscape where medieval Spain's destiny was forged. The route connects sites associated with Pelayo's resistance and the origin of the Kingdom of Asturias.
🥾 Route Overview
The Ruta de la Reconquista covers approximately 50 km from Cangas de Onís to Covadonga, typically completed in 2-3 days of walking. The route follows paths through the foothills of the Picos de Europa, climbing to the mountain sanctuary where Pelayo won his victory.
From Cangas de Onís (the first capital of Christian Spain), the path ascends through forest and pasture to Covadonga. The dramatic mountain setting provides the backdrop for reflection on the events that shaped Spanish history.
☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites
Covadonga Sanctuary - The Holy Cave where Pelayo is buried and where the Virgin is said to have appeared. The site includes the cave shrine, the 19th-century basilica, and the mountain lakes above.
Cangas de Onís - The first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias, where Pelayo established his court after the victory. The Roman bridge here still spans the river Sella.
📚 Further Reading
Curated resources to help you research and plan your pilgrimage on the Ruta de la Reconquista.
