2025 Ponferrada Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Spain Westward Journey ~ León (Region) It offers a complete overview of the history of Ponferrada and the El Bierso region, containing pieces from different periods and origins. For example, remains from the Paleolithic era, traces of the Roman occupation and the mines of Las Medulas, remains of the Ponferrada Castle itself… and even a complete collection of coins spanning several centuries. Located in an old building next to the bell tower, this was the palace of the Count of Toreno, where the mayor lived, where the city council met, and also a prison. It has two floors dedicated to permanent exhibitions and a basement dedicated to temporary exhibitions. It also has a courtyard, known as the "Patio de la Higuera" because of the impressive fig tree that is located there. It is almost a must-visit and we can enjoy and entertain ourselves by visiting part of its history. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castile-León

Spain Westward Journey ~ León (Region) The Nice Museum (Old Church of Sant'Antonio), besides some processional steps, houses a large collection of ancient and modern elements of the Holy Week in the historic Ponferradina. You can see various stairs, clothes and other decorations. It is also curious that the entire Passion of Jesus Christ was performed by nativity scene artisans from the region. The museum contains Holy Week images and a moving miniature of the Passion of Christ #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castile-León

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Leon (region) It is an excellent visual record that includes an important collection of radios, exclusive pieces and microphones from various periods, a documentary about the history of Spanish radio and the audio of the famous journalist Luis del Olmo, who was born in this small town . The first room, in particular, is dedicated to the history of radio. It's explained year by year on panels, using radio equipment from the time and wonderful audio as it transports you to that era. The collection of radios is impressive. The museum is located in the 18th century Shield House. The huge wisteria that adorns the exterior is eye-catching. I have been to Ponferrada twice but was not able to visit due to lack of time and scheduling issues. All of this gave me a very interesting look at the evolution of radio. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castilla-Leon

Spain Westward Journey ~ León (Region) The Templar Castle of Ponferrada is a magnificent building. It houses the Templar Library and the Ponferrada Center for Investigative Studies, which contains nearly 1,400 books, including facsimiles of Leonardo da Vinci's works. It was originally a hill fort and later became a Roman castle. At the beginning of the 12th century, the Knights Templar captured the fortress, fortified and expanded it, using it as a habitable palace and to provide protection for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The building has an irregular square plan. The most prominent feature is that the entrance requires a drawbridge across the moat. Further ahead are two large towers with crenellated structures connected by arches. Its twelve original towers reproduce the shapes of constellations. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castile-León

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Leon (region) Ponferrada is the capital of the El Bieso region and one of the main stops on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela through the province of León. The town's historic district sits beneath the majestic castle built by the Templars. The earliest record of Ponferrada is a former castle from Roman times. Beginning in the 11th century, the rise of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela promoted the emergence of the small village of Pons Ferrata, which is located on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. It is named after the bridge. In 1178, King Fernando II of Leon placed the prosperous settlement under the supervision of the Knights Templar. Using the remains of an original Roman fort, the Templars built a castle to allow them to settle while protecting pilgrims from the past. This facilitated population growth and led to commercial development in the area. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castilla-Leon