Around the 4th century, followers of the ascetic movement (a practice of self-denial and renunciation of worldly pleasures in order to achieve the highest degree of spirituality, intellect, or self-awareness. Asceticism can even require withdrawal from the world to lead a life of meditation) lived in dwellings they carved into the rock, attempting to escape the ostentation and luxury of the church.

In the Valdegovía Valley, there are 16 caves located in the towns of Bachicabo, Barrio, Villanueva de Valdegovía, Quejo, Pinedo, Corro, and Tobillas. The latter three are the best known and most accessible to visitors.

The caves have three distinct functions depending on their size, location, and interior layout:

– The caves that were used as temples, larger than the other caves and divided into several rooms inside.

-The dwelling caves are smaller and have a single opening.

– And finally, the caves used as necropolises; these were typically used for burials.