Monumento a Don Pelayo, Cangas de Onís

The Monument to Don Pelayo is a stone figure holding a sword that rises approximately 6 meters tall above a square base carved with Latin inscriptions. It stands in front of the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción church, where visitors can approach it from different angles.

The monument was created in 1970 to honor Don Pelayo, who launched Christian resistance against Muslim rule around 722. This moment marked the beginning of what would eventually develop into the Kingdom of Asturias.

The monument displays traditional Asturian design through water features flowing from lion heads positioned around the base. These artistic details reflect how the region has historically expressed its identity through public monuments.

The monument sits on a public plaza next to the church and is accessible at any time. It works well as a quick stop when exploring the town center.

The inscriptions at the base declare Don Pelayo as the first king of Spain, a claim that reflects regional historical interpretation rather than universal scholarly agreement. This local perspective shapes how the region presents its own past to visitors.

Location: Cangues d'Onís

Inception: 1970

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 43.35089,-5.12647

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45