Cultural heritage
Knowing our roots
The importance of knowing the roots of a destination
The Picos de Europa National Park is not only a haven for wildlife and a breathtaking natural spectacle, but also a cultural treasure that holds centuries of history and tradition. This corner of the Spanish geography is imbued with a rich cultural heritage ranging from prehistoric remains to contemporary artistic manifestations.
Beginning with its prehistoric legacy, the Picos de Europa are home to a series of caves containing cave paintings, testimony to the art and life of the first inhabitants of the region. Among the most famous are the caves of El Pindal, with its impressive paintings of bison and horses, and the cave of La Loja, where you can admire anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures dating back thousands of years, or the cave of Buxu, near Cangas de Onís.
The Roman influence also left its mark in this mountainous land. Archaeological remains such as the bridge of Cangas de Onís, dating from the 13th century and built on the remains of an ancient Roman bridge, bear witness to the presence and legacy of this civilization in the area.
The traditional architecture of the villages that dot the landscape of the Picos de Europa is another highlight of its cultural heritage. Stone houses with slate roofs, Romanesque churches with centuries of history and centuries-old granaries stand as symbols of Asturian and Cantabrian rural life. Among the most emblematic churches is the Church of Santa María de Lebeña, a magnificent example of pre-Romanesque architecture that stands out for its sober beauty and its privileged location in the heart of the mountains.
The oldest Christian temple in Spain is the Chapel of Santa Cruz. Inside it houses the Dolmen of Santa Cruz, a funerary monument dating back to 4000 BC. The small chapel was ordered to be built by King Favila, son of Pelayo, to commemorate the victory in the Battle of Covadonga.
Santo Toribio de Liebana: Built in the 6th century, it houses the Lignum Crucis, one of the largest fragments of the Cross of Christ. Every Lebaniego Holy Year, which is celebrated every time April 16 falls on a Sunday, thousands of pilgrims visit the monastery to obtain indulgences. Its medieval architecture, cloister and mountainous surroundings make the place a spiritual and cultural center, contributing to the historical and religious richness of the region .
In addition, the region's gastronomy is a fundamental part of its cultural heritage. Local products such as Cabrales cheese, famous for its intense flavor and traditional production in mountain caves, or Asturian cider, a refreshing and emblematic drink of the area, are just some examples of the culinary richness that can be enjoyed in the Picos de Europa. Cocido lebaniego or fabada asturiana are spoon dishes that enliven the body and soul of the traveler.
Last but not least, folklore and popular traditions are also part of the cultural heritage of this region. Dances, songs and festivities such as the Fiesta del Pastor, which pays tribute to the ancestral relationship between man and the mountains, are living expressions of the identity and culture of the inhabitants of the Picos de Europa.