Cornatel Castle

In Villavieja, in the municipality of Priaranza del Bierzo, a step from the road from Ponferrada to Las Médulas. The castle looks out over a ravine from a spur of rock and from the walls you can see the Sil valley. It is a shorter and simpler visit than Ponferrada's.

History

Castilla y León Tourism places its origin in the 10th century. Like the one in Ponferrada, it belonged to the Templars and later became the property of the Count of Lemos. What remains today is a fortress adapted to the terrain, built on the height to watch over the valley.

What you will see

The visit follows the westernmost section of the castle, between the wall and an impressive precipice, with two gun openings along the way. The best thing is the setting: hanging over the rock, with the ravine on one side and the Sil valley beyond. Inside, temporary exhibitions are mounted from time to time. Allow an hour for the castle and the views.

The Priaranza del Bierzo tourist office, run by the Town Council, operates in the castle itself.

Opening hours and tickets

Open Wednesday to Sunday; closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

• In winter, from 30 October to 31 March: from 11:00 to 18:00.
• In spring and summer, from 1 April: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00.

General admission costs €3; €1 reduced, pensioners included, and €1.50 per person for groups. Telephones: 987 420 806 and 606 898 140; email, [email protected]. The official leaflet itself has some contradictions between season dates, so if you go first thing in the morning or on a public holiday, call ahead.

Getting there and tips

It is in Villavieja, near the road between Ponferrada and Las Médulas, half an hour from Las Médulas. Wear comfortable shoes and watch the children on the stretches beside the precipice. It is a good stop on the way there or back from Ponferrada.

Combining

It fits on the way between the Templar castle of Ponferrada and Las Médulas: a morning of castles and the afternoon at the Roman mine, with the Orellán viewpoint or the Valiñas trail. If you are staying in Carucedo, La Peregrina is next to the Carucedo lake.