Ermesinda facts for kids

Ermesinda of Asturias, painted by Francisco Joaquín Gutiérrez de la Vega in 1854. This painting is in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.

Ermesinda was an important queen from the early days of the Kingdom of Asturias in Spain. She was the wife of King Alfonso I of Asturias, who was often called "Alfonso the Catholic." Ermesinda was also the daughter of the very first king of Asturias, Pelagius of Asturias, and his wife, Queen Gaudiosa. Her story is a key part of how the kingdom grew.

The Life of Queen Ermesinda

Ermesinda was the daughter of King Pelagius, who founded the Kingdom of Asturias. Her mother was Queen Gaudiosa. Ermesinda also had a brother named Favila of Asturias, who became the second king of Asturias.

Ermesinda married Alfonso I of Asturias, who was the son of Duke Peter of Cantabria. When her brother King Favila died in 739, Ermesinda's husband Alfonso became the new king. This made Ermesinda the queen consort, meaning she was the king's wife and shared his royal title.

We don't know the exact year Ermesinda was born, but it was likely between 720 and 730. She was probably born in Asturias, where her father was king. The date she died is also not known for sure.

Where Ermesinda Was Buried

After Queen Ermesinda passed away, her body was laid to rest in the monastery of Santa María. This monastery is located near the town of Cangas de Onís. Her husband, King Alfonso I, was also buried in the same monastery.

Some historians believe this monastery is the famous Santa Cueva de Covadonga (Holy Cave of Covadonga). A writer from the 1500s, Ambrosio de Morales, described their tomb. He said it was a smooth stone coffin, partly carved, located in a small cave.

The tomb in the Santa Cueva de Covadonga has an inscription. It says: "HERE LIES THE CATHOLIC AND HOLY KING DON ALONSO THE FIRST AND HIS WIFE DOÑA ERMENISINDA SISTER OF DON FAVILA WHOM HE SUCCEEDED. THIS KING WON MANY VICTORIES OVER THE MOORS. HE DIED IN CANGAS IN THE YEAR 757."

Ermesinda's Family

Queen Ermesinda and King Alfonso I had three children together:

• Fruela I of Asturias (born 722, died 768). When his father, Alfonso I, died, Fruela became the next King of Asturias. He was buried with his wife, Queen Munia of Álava, in the church of San Salvador in Oviedo. Fruela himself founded this church.
• Vimarano (died 765). Sadly, Vimarano was killed by his own brother, King Fruela.
• Adosinda. She married Silo of Asturias, who became the sixth king of Asturias. Adosinda was buried with her husband in the Church of San Juan Apóstol y Evangelista, Santianes de Pravia.

See also

In Spanish: Ermesinda para niños