2025 Villafranca del Bierzo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Leon (region) Created in 1606 by Doña María de Toledo-Osorio, this Baroque church and altarpiece are the work of the 17th-century Academy of Becerra. Built on the ruins of an old pilgrims' hospital, the Marquis Pantheon is of particular interest. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castilla-Leon

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Leon (region) This example of the Transitional Romanesque style has a floor plan with a single nave covered by a barrel vault. Its most interesting element is the south facade known as the "Puerta del Perdón" or "Gateway of Forgiveness". Its origins date back to 1186, when the Bishop of Astorga received a papal bull authorizing the construction of a church. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castilla-Leon

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Leon (region) The building is located in an important town on the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago. It is a large square with round towers at the corners, and the rooms of the palace are arranged around a central inner courtyard. The Castle of the Marquis of Villafranca is located in the upper part of the town. It has a quadrangular plan with four round towers at the corners and is divided into three wooden floors. It is more similar to the castle-palace type than to the castle-fortress example. Its main door is made of brick and is surmounted by one of the various shields that we can see in its layout. The castle stands out for its elegance and strategic location. It has a circular plan and is topped by a slate roof typical of the region. It is built with high quality masonry. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castilla-Leon

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Leon (region) In Vila Bierso we visited a few churches, but this church impressed me deeply for its monumentality. It originated in the 12th century as a Benedictine monastery that welcomed pilgrims to Santiago. In 1529, when it was in decline, Perro de Toledo decided to restore it and turn it into one of the most important temples in the region. A tour inside won't disappoint either. The current church was built in the 16th century and its layout is in the late Gothic style with Renaissance and Baroque elements. Some call it (Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque 16th century Bertian architecture). The church has three naves, the central one being wider than the side ones. And finally in these chapels. The altarpiece on the main altar is neoclassical and dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The choir in Baroque Rococo style corresponds to the second half of the 18th century. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castilla-Leon

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Leon (region) The museum houses a collection over 100 years old that was collected by the church’s missionaries during their travels. There are many stuffed animals, especially Philippine birds, and a collection of shells and minerals. This is a very curious and interesting museum, and while it does have very old stuffed animals, the history behind the entire museum is interesting to say the least. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castilla-Leon

Western Spain ~ León (Region) This hotel is located within the building of the Los Padres Paúles Monastery, featuring Baroque architecture and built in the 17th century. The cloister has two rows of semicircular arches with pilasters (closed with oval windows and oculi), and one wing has a double-arched gallery above it. The cloister is used as a terrace for the hotel bar, providing easy access. Another highlight is the Baroque church, which has a nave and a lantern on the transept vault. I would particularly note its wooden altarpiece, though I'm not sure if it is open to visitors.

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Leon (region) It is the last important town on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela that passes through León. Its rich monumental heritage and influence from the pilgrims of St. James make it an important tourist center. Its old town has been declared a cultural property. The main square (or Plaza Mayor), the Town Hall, the calle del Agua (Water Street), the arch at its end, mansions (such as the Moorish mansion of the 15th century), the Monastery of Augustinus Recoletas and others The palaces constitute the upper part of the tourist route. At the entrance of the village you can find the 12th-century Romanesque church of Santiago. The Puerta del Perdón door is located on one side. Pilgrims who were unable to travel to Santiago de Compostela due to illness received jubilee blessings here. The castle palace of the Marchioness of Villafranca is located near this church. However, the best place to see the palace is on Calle del Agua: in the coat of arms appear some landmarks such as Torquemada Palace, Casa Morisca or the birthplace of the writer Gil y Carrasco. Other monuments worth visiting include the Gothic collegiate church of Santa María built by Gil de Hontañón, the 17th-century baroque convents of San Nicolás El Real, La Annonciada and San José, as well as the church of San Francisco, which has Beautiful Mudejar coffered ceiling. We should also visit the Museum of Natural Sciences. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Castilla-Leon