Page "Kingdom of Asturias" Paragraph 34

In the middle of the Sella valley ( where Cangas de Onís is located ) there was a dolmen area, which dated back to the megalithic era, and was built probably in the period 4, 000-2, 000 BC.

In this place, particularly in Santa Cruz Dolmen, the ritual burials of the surrounding regions ' chieftains were performed.

Such practices survived the Roman and Visigothic conquests to a point that even in the 8th century king Favila was buried there, in the same place were the bodies of ancient tribal leaders had their final rest.

Although the Asturian monarchy fostered the Christianization of this site ( ordering the edification of a church ), even today there are still pagan traditions linked with the Santa Cruz dolmen: It is said that xanas ( Asturian fairies ) appear to visitors, and magical properties are ascribed to the soil of the place.