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Virgen de Covadonga, la Santina
The Virgen de Covadonga, la Santina, is the patron saint of Asturias. She is venerated in a cave carved into the rock, in the heart of the Picos de Europa, in one of the most beautiful and iconic places in Spain.
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Medal of the Virgen de Covadonga with pearls€69I want it
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Medal of the Virgen de Covadonga with lapis lazuli€65I want it
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La Santina on our medal with natural pearls, handmade in Spain
History of the devotion
The history of Covadonga is linked to the origins of the Kingdom of Asturias. According to tradition, in 722 Don Pelayo and his men took refuge in the cave, where an image of the Virgin was already venerated, and there they defeated the Muslim troops. That battle is considered the beginning of the Reconquista, and the victory was attributed to the protection of the Virgin.
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The sanctuary and tradition
The image of la Santina is venerated in the Holy Cave, hanging above a waterfall. Beside it stands the pink stone basilica, built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her feast day is celebrated on September 8, Asturias Day.
Fun facts
- The Cross of Victory, the symbol of Asturias that appears on its flag, recalls the cross traditionally attributed to Don Pelayo. That is why many of our Covadonga medals feature it on the reverse.
- Below the cave is the "fountain of the seven spouts". Tradition says that the young single woman who drinks from all seven will marry within a year.
- A few kilometers away are the Lakes of Covadonga, Enol and Ercina, within the Picos de Europa National Park.
Facts you can check
- On October 17, 1777, a fire devastated the cave sanctuary and the original image. The statue we venerate today was gifted by the Cathedral of Oviedo in 1778. Source
- La Santina was canonically crowned on September 8, 1918, on the 12th centenary of Covadonga, by Cardinal Victoriano Guisasola. Source
- During the Civil War, the image disappeared and ended up in France. It returned to Spain through Irún on June 11, 1939. Source
- Pope John Paul II made a pilgrimage to Covadonga on August 20 and 21, 1989. Source
- Covadonga gave its name to Spain's first national park: the Covadonga Mountain National Park, created on July 22, 1918, also for the 12th centenary. In 1995, it was expanded and became the Picos de Europa National Park. Source
Why give a medal of the Virgen de Covadonga
It is the perfect gift for those with Asturian hearts, for someone who lives far from Asturias and misses it, or for a Covadonga. A very special keepsake for a communion, a baptism, or a wedding in Asturian lands.
Our medals of the Virgen de Covadonga
Discover all our Virgen de Covadonga medals, handmade in Spain with pearls, natural stones, and enamels.
Khartes Medals
The most beautiful medals are at Khartes
Medal of the Virgen de Covadonga with pearls€69I want itMedal of the Virgen de Covadonga with ruby and sapphire€69I want itMedal of the Virgen de Covadonga with lapis lazuli€65I want it
Handcrafted in Spain · Free shipping from €65