Templar Castle of Ponferrada
Castillo de los Templarios
One of the most impressive castles on the Camino de Santiago, built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, with walls and towers well preserved
Ponferrada Castle was begun in the 12th century. It was once guarded by the Knights Templar to protect the Camino de Santiago, and was later expanded several times. It covers about 16,000 square metres, and its walls, moat, drawbridge and towers are well preserved. Inside is a Templar library displaying facsimiles of old manuscripts. Admission is about €6, and the castle is closed on Mondays. Every July, a medieval parade called the Night of the Templars takes place. Ponferrada is about 110 km from León, roughly 1.5 hours by train, and can be visited on the same day as Las Médulas.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun ~10:00–14:00 & 16:00–20:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Las Médulas
- Astorga Cathedral
- Episcopal Palace of Astorga
- Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Road
- MUSAC
- Convent of San Marcos
- Museum of León
- Basilica of San Isidoro & Royal Pantheon