The Way

EL BIERZO, ON "THE WAY"

The pilgrim enters El Bierzo through the Cruz de Ferro, a large mound of stones on which an iron cross rests. Over the years the pilgrims have been leaving stones as big as the sins they wanted to leave behind. In Compludo you should visit its Blacksmithing (Herrería) (National Monument since 1968).

Once in Molinaseca you can visit the Sanctuary of Sorrows (Santuario de las Angustias), the bridge over the river Meruelo, Royal Street (Calle Real) and the old stone cross (crucero de piedra).

The next stop is Ponferrada, you must visit the Castle of the Templars (Castillo de los templarios), the Basilica of Our Lady of the Oak (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Encina), the Clock Tower and Street or the City Hall. In Camponaraya you will enjoy its vast vineyards. Cacabelos town is famous for its cherries and wine. In Cacabelos you can find the Sanctuary of the Fifth Anguish (Santuario de la Quiinta Angustia) and Castro Ventosa (roman archaeological site ) the birthplace of El Bierzo.

Next stop: Villafranca del Bierzo, known as “Little Compostela,” there you will find the Door of Forgiveness (la Puerta del Pedrón) in the Church of Santiago (S XII), where pilgrims earn the jubilee when they are unable to continue the journey to Santiago de Compostela.

More info:

http://www.ponferrada.org/turismo/es

http://www.villafrancadelbierzo.org/turismo.php