Ponferrada

Ponferrada grew around an 11^th-century bridge over the Río Sil, ordered by Bishop Osmundo of Astorga to make the river crossing easier for pilgrims. Fitted with iron chains, it became known as Pons Ferrata ("iron bridge"), from which the city takes its name.

Coal and iron mining transformed Ponferrada in the 20^th century into the industrial and administrative centre of El Bierzo.

The Camino de Invierno branches from the Camino Francés in Ponferrada, taking an alternative route into Galicia via Las Médulas and the Ribeira Sacra that avoids the climb over O Cebreiro.

What to see in Ponferrada

Castillo de los Templarios

The Knights Templar took over an existing fortification in the late 12^th century and enlarged it to protect the Camino. Despite its name, much of the castle seen today is later: Pedro Álvarez Osorio, first Count of Lemos, added the main entrance and five of its towers in the 15^th century, more than a century after the Templars were suppressed.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Encina

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Encina houses the Virgen de la Encina, known as La Morenica and venerated as the patroness of El Bierzo. According to local legend, the Templars discovered the image hidden inside a holm oak (encina), which gave the Virgin her name. The bronze statue outside depicts the legendary moment when a Templar finds the image in the tree.

Museo del Bierzo

The Museo del Bierzo traces the history of the region from prehistory and Roman gold mining at Las Médulas through the Middle Ages and the industrial era. It occupies a 16^th-century building that formerly served as Ponferrada's town hall, magistrate's residence and prison.