Ponferrada

Camino Frances

To end of camino
205.1
Altitude
539

Molinaseca

3.20

Ponferrada

3.20

Compostilla

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Correos
Ave General Vives, 24401, Mon-Fri: 0830-2030 & Sat: 0930-1300, 987 403 187
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Train
Yes

El castillo templario de Ponferrada es uno de los ejemplos mejor conservados de su tipo y ofrece una visión de cómo debe haber sido la vida en el castillo en los siglos XII y XIII.

La Iglesia de Santa María de la Encina lleva el nombre de una leyenda templaria según la cual su imagen fue encontrada en el tronco de un roble. Se encuentra en la parte más antigua de la ciudad, cerca del castillo.

Fiesta

El sábado es el día del mercado. La Fiesta de La Encina comienza el 8 de septiembre y celebra a la patrona del Bierzo, La Virgen de La Encina (roble), y dura una semana.

History

Ponferrada fue en un momento uno de los asentamientos romanos más importantes debido a su ubicación en la unión de dos ríos (El Sil Boeza) en un valle fértil y rico en minerales. Su nombre deriva de la construcción de su puente original. Construido en 1082, fue uno de los primeros en ser decorado con hierro y por lo tanto 'Pons Ferrata' se convirtió en Ponferrada. El puente original ya no existe.

The Road

Salir de Ponferrada te lleva más allá del castillo y brevemente a través del casco antiguo antes de cruzar el río Sil. Al final de ese puente gire a la derecha. El camino se curva a la izquierda y en la siguiente gran intersección gire a la derecha. Siga recto a través de la primera rotonda y gire a la derecha en la segunda. Desde aquí, el camino sigue la señalización temporal a través de la construcción.

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