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)

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

All Caminos App User (not verified)

It only adds time, no nice views.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

What I liked: helpful layout. The hallways on each floor are wide, with lots of room to don or doff shoes. The first section of the room includes shower, toilet, sink, and lockers with included combination locks. Then there’s a sliding door separating this area from the bunks. Makes it easy to come and go without disturbing all the other sleeping people in the room.

What I found a bit odd is the way they assign people to rooms. How does an old lady end up in a room full of men?

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Echoing other comments. This is a great shop with a lovely owner! Very helpful. Everything you might need. She has walked the Camino so understands!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Two good restaurant choices in one of the town squares IF you get tired of Pilgrim food. Its not Mexican like in the states but it will do in a pinch. Servers are nice and helpful. The pizza is super thin crust and yummy & an extensive menu if you don't want pizza. Their barrata salad is excellent as well, perfect for getting your greens into your diet!!
Another good thing is a "Radler" which is beer with lemon in it. Like a shandy, very refreshing on a hot day. It seems all the restaurants have them! Enjoy