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.

Accommodation in Ponferrada.
Private

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

There is a cafe on calle san valerio called venusia they have international craft beer. It is separated by style. The interesting beers are all in cans and bottles, they have the usual on tap too.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

This was probably best morning stop ever especially when all other breakfast spots are closed! Their croissants and pain au chocolate are to die for! Their tostados with jambon also amazing m. Service with a smile and great view of the castle! Highly recommend ❤️

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The map shows the wash out being on the road

It no longer is. Instead it good along the river and a nice park

No big deal as it is we’ll signposted

It passes the Museo del Energia (an old power station) which friends have said is worth a detour

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

if you are going to stop in Ponferrada, stop here! A lovely oasis right on the path (if you take the road) with a few beds, fresh sheets, and an amazing home cooked meal. Lovely hospitaleros!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Went to Panaderia Liébana for lunch and grabbed a sandwhich. Soon realized that the lettuce in the sandwhich hadn’t been washed and was covered in dirt…

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

By far the least interesting city on the Camino , castle notwithstanding (and there really is nothing else to see). Accommodations and restaurants are oddly expensive. Drab and dirty compared to other Spanish towns. Stay in Molinaseca or Cacobelos instead.

Camino de Sant…

You will have a much nicer time in Molinaseca or Cacbelos. Staying in Ponferrada is jarring and can take you out of the peaceful camino spirit . The city is also very expensive and eating out at night in the old town you will find very little cheap as a pilgrim.

Camino de Sant…

The Rocky Mountain Shop is excellent. Great selection of high quality gear. I got new Hokas and my wife got a puffy.

Camino de Sant…

The proprietor at this peregrino store was so helpful. After getting shin splints coming down into Ponferrada He helped me into some Hoka's, some trekking poles and replaced a leaking camel bag. Definitely look him up when in town. The Nirvana Hostel had excellent service and was not too far from the center of town.

Camino de Sant…

If you were stamp-happy along the way from St. Jean and are running out of room, or are starting your Camino in Ponferrada, you can purchase a credential for €2 at Albergue de peregrinos San Nicolás de Flüe.