The French Way of Saint James - Ponferrada
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- Ascent slope
- 541 m.
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Ponferrada , the proud heart of El Bierzo region, is a city that has played a crucial role in the history of Leon, and its rich heritage is recognized as a Site of Cultural Interest with the category of Historic Ensemble . Strategically located on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, Ponferrada stands as a crucial enclave on the Way of St. James, which has shaped its evolution throughout the centuries.
The city's origins date back to the 11th century, when Osmundo, Bishop of Astorga, ordered the construction of a bridge over the Sil River to facilitate the passage of pilgrims traveling along the Camino de Santiago. This iron bridge, called the pons-ferrata (iron bridge), gave the city its name and was the seed of what we know today as Ponferrada. During the Middle Ages, the settlement grew around this strategic crossing point, becoming a key commercial and communications hub for the region.
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What to see?
Castle of PonferradaMore informationThe castle consists of a lar polygonal enclosure (more than 8,000 m2) with double and triple battlements, turrets, rooms and a large low courtyard or albacar.It was one of the largest fortress of north-western...
Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la EncinaMore informationThis renaissance church with a latin cross ground plan was started before 1573 according to the plans of Juan Alvear. It contains an interesting altarpiece, by members of the school o Gregorio Fernández,...
Minero Siderurgica de Ponferrada Thermal Power StationMore informationAn architectural ensemble of Spain's industrial history that has its origins in the early 20th century, with the construction of the original building dating back to 1920. The thermal power station and...
Tower of the ClockMore informationRising up over one of the gates in the wall, this arch leads to Ponferrada’s liveliest street. It was erected during the reign of Charles I in the 16th century and his coat of arms appears on the entrance...
