Location: Ponferrada
Top Things to do in Ponferrada
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Ponferrada, Spain
Ponferrada (Spanish pronunciation: [pomfeˈraða], from the Latin Pons Ferrata, Iron Bridge) is the capital city of El Bierzo in the Province of León, Spain. It lies on Sil River and it is completely surrounded by mountains. It is the last major town on the French route of the Camino de Santiago before it reaches Santiago de Compostela. In 2008, it had a population of 69,769.
Restaurants in Ponferrada
1. Penalba de Santiago
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By Manuela L - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
It's a really romantic quaint old village in the Mountains of Bierzo, old stone houses with little terraces or balcony in an ancient street and a very old church of the village, an antique gem, but surely difficult to leave there and of all in wintertimes; Nice for a visit in the Mountains for a half day walk.
2. La Fabrica de Luz. Museo de la Energia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Manuela L - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
It was an old factory to produce energy of light radiation , reflectors, beams effects; with machines and boiler rooms, transformed today in an interesting museum;
a coffee or a little snack are available.
3. Castillo de los Templarios
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By John M - Raleigh, North Carolina
This is a very large Templar Knights castle somewhat hurt by dynamite blasting inside for a soccer field. To get an idea of its size, it once help 2,900 laborers, 650 horsemen, 100 foot soldiers, and numerous mercenaries. There are many beautiful manuscripts in the gorgeous library. The castle is nicely restored where possible.
4. Herreria de Compludo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Bren M - Madrid, Spain
i have been visiting this town for over twenty years and it has become verypopular. The forge is well worth a visit BUT CHECK THE TIMES! Most of the time I've tried to go it's been closed.
5. Torre del Reloj
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By Footloose916 - Woodstock, New York
We stayed at a hotel in the old part of Ponferrada which was difficult to find. The best direction we got was from a policeman who told us to ask where we were staying when we saw "la torre del reloj". And sure enough, our hotel was in a small side street with an excellent view of the clock tower. We could hear its old bells toll every hour but it was a pleasant sound and did not disrupt our sleep or much needed rest as we were doing the Camino de Santiago. I felt like I was part of some medieval adventure as I walked the plazas on each side of the clock tower and walked the narrow side streets. Also lots of restaurants and cafes in the area but, since it was a holiday weekend, most of them were closed. Good landmark to get your bearings or meet someone.
6. Museo Del Ferrocarril
Overall Ratings
4 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By SeanWoking - Woking, United Kingdom
This museum commemorates Spain's last working steam railway, which carried coal from up the valley in Villablino down to Ponferrada from 1919 until the 1980s. It is very small so won't take you long but the restored ticket hall is quite sweet. The highlight though is the restored engines from the 1920s. The American and German-made locos are quite impressive specimens, even if like me you're not a train-nut. It's less than €3 a head so is worth a visit.
7. Museo de la Radio
Overall Ratings
4 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Sandra L - Warwick, Australia
What a disappointing place Pontferrada is turning out to be, not for that available in the town but rather it's deliberate non-utilisation/availability by/to a wider audience.
This museum is another case in point and we wandered round leaving more ill advised than when we entered. Unless you are Spanish & an aficionado of radio as a medium I fear this Museum is just a tribute to one man's ego. In fact he looks a lot like Rod Stewart.
8. Basilica Nuestra Senora de la Encina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By rayrest
Very close to the castle this Basilica is well worth finding. Near the tourist office and the other side of the museo de la radio. Nice building from the outside and fairly large building and you may see many backpackers enter here to visit and get their pilgrim passports stamped. Very interesting architecture inside and stunning Altar carvings that are coloured gold. Other amazing and detailed architecture in side Chapels that are inside. Excellent Organ and really great looking ceiling. Well worth coming into the church to rest and wonder at the inside.
9. Oficina de Turismo Municipal de Ponferrada
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By rayrest
My question was hi there do you speak English? Most answer yes how can we help. But this rude woman retorted do you speak Spanish. Can be funny however her tone was not. Now all I can say is that's not a good introduction to our visit to Ponferrada. Oh well we just carried on with our visited to Ponferrada.
10. Museo del Bierzo
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Mike N - New York City, New York
The museum is in a renovated historic building of the old city: the old prison. The exhibits tell the tale of the region through the years. Great perspective.
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