Ponferrada

Camino Frances

To end of camino
205.1
Altitudine
539

Molinaseca

3.20

Ponferrada

3.20

Compostilla

Services
Bancomat
Yes
Bar
Yes
Fermata dell’autobus
Yes
Ufficio postale
Ave General Vives, 24401, Mon-Fri: 0830-2030 & Sat: 0930-1300, 987 403 187
Negozio di alimentari
Yes
Centro medico
Yes
Farmacia
Yes
Treno
Yes

Il castello dei Templari di Ponferrada è uno dei meglio preservati e permette di immaginare quale potesse essere la vita in un castello nel XII e XIII secolo.

La chiesa di Santa María de la Encina (Santa Maria della Quercia) prende il nome da una leggenda templare secondo cui l’immagine della santa venne trovata nel tronco di una quercia. Si trova nella parte più vecchia della città, vicino al castello.

Festività

Il sabato è giorno di mercato. La Fiesta de La Encina inizia l’8 settembre dura una settimana. Festeggia La Virgen de la La Encina (quercia), il santo patrono di El Bierzo. 

Storia

Ad un certo punto Ponferrada divenne uno dei più importanti stabilimenti romani, grazie alla sua posizione all’incrocio di due fiumi (il Sil e il Boeza), in una valle fertile e ricca di minerali. Il suo nome deriva dalla costruzione del ponte originale; eretto nel 1082, fu uno dei primi ad essere decorati col ferro, cosicché ‘Pons Ferrata’ diventò Ponferrada. Quel ponte non esiste più.

Il cammino

Per uscire da Ponferrada si passa oltre il castello, si attraversano la città vecchia (per un breve tratto) e poi il Río Sil. Alla fine del ponte, girate a destra. Il sentiero curva a sinistra, e al seguente grosso incrocio svoltate a destra. Continuate dritti alla prima rotonda e girate a destra alla seconda. Da qui il cammino segue delle indicazioni temporanee attraverso un cantiere.

City Map
Accommodation in Ponferrada.
Private

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Had an incredible time visiting the winery. Can garriré walking or by bus. Met with Milagros and had a tour, tasting 4 wines with food, $40. Worth it!! You can book online or email them. They’ll also do a pilgrim deal for 2 wines and a tour — $25. Loved my time, Milagros is great.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Great prices, and a huge spring discount right now. Call Elena — +34 646365272 before you arrive in Ponferrada and book a treatment. If you take a rest day here, prioritize it. Short bus ride to her studio from the Castle area. Easy! She may travel to your albergue also for foot massage.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

The Castillo is closed Mondays, and open 10-2pm or 430-830pm. Free on Wednesdays for everyone and $4 for pilgrims other days. The Albergue Alea with owner Amelia is a precious place to stay. They treat you like true family. Amazing. Delicious dinner. Lovely people. They allow pets, rest days if they have space, and are such good hosts that it’s like being with your grandparents. A 10 min walk from city center but really worth it.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

In Ponferrada if you want to shake it up and have some spice, try PANDORA THAI RESTAURANT!! I had the green curry there yesterday, and it was fabulous!! Nice atmosphere with very friendly staff!!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

On the way into Ponferrada you’ll pass this spot. Unfortunately it wasn’t open when I went by bc of a public holiday, but it looked pretty shmick and modern.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Everything was closed due to “vacation” while we were here. We ended up at Domino’s Pizza for dinner and were truly grateful!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

I had the best pilgrim menu since the whole Camino Frances started at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The restaurant owns two passionate and lovely pilgrims from Tirol and they really know what pilgrims need. All fresh ingredients, freshly cooked food and a good wide enough selection, also a good vegetarian menu. And just for 14,90 for the menu. And they're open for a good talk in Spanish :)

All Caminos App User (not verified)

There is a wonderful festival going on in the city through September 7

All Caminos App User (not verified)

I researched several of Ponferrada's best bars when I was updating the 2024 Lonely Planet Spain guidebook... and others too when I was making the trek that featured in my latest book - 'Vagabond: A Hiker's Homage to Rural Spain'.
La Bodega de Godivah (on the road facing the castle) is perhaps the best place to grab a beer and a snack and enjoy some pleasant people-watching.

On another note, there is a huge Decathlon just a kilometre from here that is fantastic if you need equipment for the mountains. After my 1,225km hike from Gibraltar I was in dire need of new hiking socks...and thermal underwear for potentially sleeping-rough in the mountains.
Mark Eveleigh (UK)

All Caminos App User (not verified)

The gal that runs this shop is so kind and helpful, highly recommend stopping there for replacement clothes or equipment