Castillo de Cornatel

The Castillo de Cornatel is perched above Villavieja with commanding views over the Río Sil valley. Visiting hours are reduced and change frequently — call the town hall of Priaranza del Bierzo at 987 420 806 or 606 898 140 to check.

The castle may have originated as the Roman Castelo de Ulver, built to defend the gold operations at Las Médulas. It was likely rebuilt by the Knights Templar after Alfonso IX of León donated it to them in 1211. When the order was suppressed in 1312, the castle passed to the Crown, was fought over for a century, and was finally given to the newly created Marqués de Villafranca del Bierzo in 1486. Government restoration began in 2002, and the castle now contains a small museum.

Near the castle, look for signs pointing to el banco más bonito del Bierzo — a bench with a spectacular view.