[1] Cabrales lies on the border between Asturias and its neighbouring autonomous community Castile and León.

[3] Cabrales' first mention in the Middle Ages was when it was noted that the Moors fled the area following their defeat at Covadonga in 722.

Cabrales was mentioned as a territorial entity in the 12th century, but generally lacked political importance at the time.

Later, in the 16th century, the region was ruled by several powerful families, including the Barcena and the González de Buerdo dynasties.

Francoist forces overwhelmed the Republican army, defeating them; this eventually led to the Republic's retreat from Asturias.