La Cuevona

La Cuevona de Cuevas del Agua

Useful Information

Location:	33588 Cuevas. 5 km from Ribasedella, follow road to Cuevas de Aqua. A-8 Autovia del Cantabrico exit 319 Arriondas turn right on N-632 3.3 km, after bridge turn left RS-2 3.2 km, turn left RS-3 3.9 km. (43.4344072, -5.0725057)
Open:	No restrictions. [2011]
Fee:	free. [2011]
Classification:	Karst Cave Caves Used as Road Tunnels
Light:	Incandescent bring torch
Dimension:	L=250 m.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	yes
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History

Description

The cave Cuevona, the full name is La Cuevona de Cuevas del Agua, sometimes also Cuevas del Agua, is a huge through-cave which is used as a road tunnel. The road built through the cave is the only way to reach the small town Cuevas de Aqua. The road through the cave is about 250 m long and rather narrow, the cave is lighted by orange road lights. There is not enough time to see the cave when just driving through, so we recommend a walk. There is a small car park on the southern side right in front of the cave, with space for about six cars. Unfortunately there is no sidewalk along the road, so be careful with the traffic. We strongly recommend wearing reflective clothing. Although this road is only leading to one small village, Ribadesella, there are cars, bicyclists and even lorries.

The tunnel is also crossed by a river, the river Sella, after which the town of Ribadesella was named. So the river flows along the road through the cave.

Once the Trasgu lived in this area, an elf who was a prankster with an evil side. He wore a red hat and his hand had small holes. It was difficult to get rid of him, even if the inhabitants decided to move to a new house, he followed them. To expel the trasgu it was necessary to request an impossible task of him. Typical examples are bringing a basket of water from the sea, picking up millet or linseed with his hand, which fell through the holes. He thought he was capable of doing everything, so he accepted the challenge. His stubbornness caused him to try again and again until he was exhausted. When he failed to accomplish the task, his pride was hurt, and he left for good.

The trasgo, trasno or trasgu is a mythological creature. His legend is told in several cultures of what is now northern Spain, especially in Galician, Asturian and Cantabrian traditional culture, and in northern Portugal.