Villafranca del Bierzo

The Castillo-Palacio de los Marqueses de Villafranca was built mainly in the 16^th century, with four round towers enclosing a square plan. Despite its fortified appearance, it was primarily a noble residence rather than a defensive castle, and it remains privately owned.

The 12^th-century Iglesia de Santiago is best known for its Romanesque Puerta del Perdón ("Door of Pardon"). During Holy Years, the Diocese of Astorga allows pilgrims prevented by illness or accident from continuing to Santiago de Compostela to receive the jubilee indulgence here after fulfilling the usual religious requirements. The practice rests on a long-established tradition, but its supposed medieval origin is not supported by known historical documentation. The diocese describes this as the only place on the Camino besides Santiago Cathedral where impeded pilgrims can obtain the indulgence.

The Colegiata de Santa María occupies the site of a medieval Cluniac monastery that provided hospitality to pilgrims. In 1529 the monastery was converted into a collegiate church of canons, and Pedro de Toledo, Marquis of Villafranca, and María Osorio y Pimentel began construction of a new church in 1532. The ambitious rebuilding was never completed: two of the five planned bays were not built, leaving the western end unfinished.