Shrine of Our Lady of L'Acebu

Situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 1,180 metres, 12 kilometres from Cangas del Narcea, L'Acebu traces its origins to 8 September 1575, when the first miracle took place at the site of an old chapel.

News of the many miracles at L’Acebu spread far and wide throughout the Principality, turning the chapel into a place of worship. This led to the construction of a church, which was completed 15 years after that first miracle. It has a Latin cross plan, with a tower at the front and a sacristy attached to the south-east corner, built in a simple style using polished stone.

The high altarpiece was replaced at the end of the 17th century by the one that can be seen today, following the style set by the high altarpiece of Corias Monastery, with trellised Solomonic columns, a style also found in nearby churches such as the Church of Santa María de Celón.

The Romanesque image of the Virgin probably dates back to the 13th century. Father Alberto Colunga, a Dominican friar, describes it as follows: “In its original form, it was a carved figure seated on a throne, with the Child seated on her left knee, looking forwards; with her right hand she was giving the sign of the cross, and with her left she was holding a book.” Over time, this statue was retouched to bring it into line with the fashion for dressing statues, and in 1900 it was altered once more to replace the Child with the current one.

On 8 September, a mass pilgrimage is held to mark the Day of Vows, and on the following Sunday, the Day of Offerings, the occasion is celebrated with a procession and the blessing of livestock.

The viewing points located in the vicinity of the chapel offer panoramic views of the valleys and mountain ranges surrounding the town of Cangas del Narcea.