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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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    • Ponferrada town hall

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    • Ponferrada tourism office

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    • León tourism office

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