Cangas de Onís and its surroundings. First capital of Asturias
At the foot of the Picos de Europa and at the beginning of the road that takes you to the Covadonga Lakes, is the town of Cangas de Onís, capital of Asturias until the year 774.
This was where Don Pelayo settled to face the Muslim regime after the Visigoth period.
It was in this area, where the Reconquest began, when Don Pelayo and his men defeated the Muslim troops in the Battle of Covadonga in the year 722.
Route with the best things to see in Cangas de Onís
Roman bridge
The history of Cangas de Onís dates back to the Palaeolithic, so in the area we can find archaeological remains and monuments from that time and belonging to all styles.
The most famous monument that we can find in Cangas de Onís is its Roman Bridge.
Paradoxically, this bridge does not date from Roman times but from the Middle Ages, since it was built in the time of Alfonso XI of Castile and León.
The Cangas de Onís bridge has 3 arches, the central one larger than the others and its shape is double sloped. From the central arch hangs a reproduction of the Virgen de la Victoria.
Other places to visit in Cangas de Onís
In addition to the Roman Bridge, in Cangas de Onís there are other important places to visit.
For example, Church of Santa Cruz, from the year 733 and where King Favila, son of Don Pelayo and second king of Asturias, was buried. In addition, it is probably the first Christian temple in Spain.
Other places of interest in the town are the Palacio de Cortes, from the 18th century, the Church of Santa María, also from the 18th century, the Parish Church of Cangas de Onís, the Palacio Pinto, the Plaza del Mercado and the Casa Dago found in it or the Statue of Don Pelayo.
In Cangas de Onís you also have a Parador de Turismo.
What to see around Cangas de Onís
The Lakes of Covadonga
Without a doubt, the most famous place that we can find in the surroundings of Cangas de Onis are the Lakes of Covadonga, which we can easily access by car through a spectacular road and finding the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Covadonga on our way..
Of course, if you want to go up in times of high influx of tourists such as summer or Easter, you will have to get on one of the free buses that you can take in Cangas de Onís itself.
The Buxu Cave
In Asturias we can find countless caves. The most famous is that of Tito Bustillo, but near Cangas de Onís there is also a cave that is worth visiting.
It is the Cueva del Buxu, where we can find important paintings and engravings of different animals.
It is not very far from the town and we totally recommend its visit since its beauty is undeniable.
Arriondas and the Descent of the Sella
Very close to Cangas de Onís is Arriondas, one of the main towns to visit in the region.
Arriondas is famous for being the town where the famous Descent of the Sella sports event begins, which is held in August, although you can do it on your own any other day thanks to the different companies that are in charge of helping you with all the logistics.
The final destination is Ribadesella.
Photo: desdeasturias.com
The Phyto Viewpoint
If you want to have unbeatable views of both the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian coast, it is best to go to the Mirador del Fito.
For them you must go along the AS-260 road that goes from Arriondas to Colunga and you will find this wonderful viewpoint whose views you will never forget if you are lucky enough to go on a sunny day.
It is a unique place thanks to being able to observe both the sea and the highest peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains.
You can find more information about what to see in Cangas de Onís on its official tourism page.
