Templar Castle of Ponferrada

If you arrive from León or Lugo, you pass through Ponferrada: the castle is at the top of the old town. In the Middle Ages it was one of the largest fortresses in the north-west of the peninsula, and today it is the essential monumental visit in El Bierzo before or after Las Médulas.

A little history

According to Castilla y León Tourism, in 1211 Alfonso IX signed peace with the Order of the Temple and handed it the town of Ponferrada; by 1226 the Templars had already fortified it, and they remained there until the dissolution of the order in 1312. The castle is attributed to them, but it reflects several periods of construction: what you see is the result of centuries of work.

What you will see

It is a large polygonal enclosure of more than 8,000 square metres, with double and triple defences forming barbicans, towers and living quarters. Inside there is a large lower courtyard, the albacar. The predominant style is Gothic. Allow an hour and a half to go round the walls, towers and courtyards at leisure.

Opening hours and tickets

Open Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays, with seasonal hours:

• 1 November to 28 February: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00.
• In March: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00.
• 1 April to 30 September: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 20:30.
• In October: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00, with Sunday afternoon closed.

Closed on Mondays. The ticket office closes half an hour earlier. Admission costs €6, €4 reduced. Closed on 24, 25, 30 and 31 December and on 1 and 6 January. Telephones: 987 402 244 and 669 462 629. The Junta warns that hours and prices may change: confirm them if you go on a public holiday.

How to fit it in with Las Médulas

Ponferrada is about 25 km from Las Médulas, and the road passes near Cornatel castle, in Villavieja: in one day you can see both castles and reach Las Médulas in the afternoon, for the Orellán viewpoint in the last light. If you sleep in the area, the Hotel Medulio is in the village of Las Médulas itself.

With children, the walls, the towers and the great courtyard of the albacar make for an entertaining visit. The address is Avenida del Castillo, no number, at the top of the old town.