Las Medulas

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1997, Las Medulas was the biggest gold mine of the Roman Empire. If you are visiting El Bierzo, Las Medulas is a must see. You will find all the information in The Medulas Fund webpage.
www.fundacionlasmedulas.com
http://en.wikipedia.org

The Blacksmiths in Compludo

It was declared a National Monument in 1968 and is very well kept. It is a medieval blacksmiths which still has the original hammer powered by water, and the forge. www.ponferrada-virtual.com

The Valley of Silence

Monks arrived at this beautiful valley over 1000 years ago to build their monasteries.

It's important to mention the mozarab church of Santiago de Peñalba (a small village declared historical-artistic setting) built in the 10^th century and San Genadiao's cave where the Saint spent a lot of time. It is also worth paying a visit to the Monastery of Montes founded in the 7^th century by San Fructoso and which is now a trip through different styles and times: pre-roman capitals, romanesque tower, and the cloister and façade from the 18^th century.

The scenery, shaped by water and ice, is spectacular. It has rich vegetation where you can see different kinds of trees including oak, chestnut, walnut and alders, in which roe deer, imperial eagles, foxes, and many other animals roam.
www.ponferrada.org  www.arrakis.es

Ponferrada

Around the 11^th century the Bishop of Astorga ordered a bridge to be built for the pilgrims of The Way of Saint James. Such a bridge, reinforced with iron, will give the city its name: Ponferrada (Pons ferrata in latin meaning iron bridge). It first belonged to the Templars who defended the way. As the order disappeared, it went to the Osorio family, and then to the Count of Lemos, until Isabella and Ferdinand (The Catholic Monarchs) claimed it.

Monuments and places of interest

• Ponferrada's castle is without doubt the most important monument in the city. The medieval village was within its walls. Dating back to the 12^th century, it was altered several times throughout the middle and modern ages. Today the Royal Quarters and some towers from the 15^th century are being restored in order to become a cultural centre.

• Church of the Virgin Encina (1614), renaissance style

• The Clock Tower (old gate into the town)

• The Town Hall (1692), baroque style

• The Church of Santo Tomas de las Ollas, 10^th century, of mozarab style

• The Church of Santa María de Vizbayo in Otero, 11^th century, of romanesque style

• Museum of El Bierzo, art and archaeology from El Bierzo

• Radio Museum, promoted by the journalist Luis del Olmo

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

The Way of Saint James (Camino de Santiago)

The section which crosses El Bierzo goes from Foncebadón and Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross) through El Acebo, Molinaseca, Ponferrada, Camponaraya, Cacabelos, Villafranca del Bierzo, Vega de Valvarce, Ruitelán and Faba, to the top of Cebreiro.

Near Cacabelos, which is famous for its vineyards, it is worth visiting The Monastery of Carracedo, a cistercian abbey from the 12^th century, which was also used in the 13^th century as a royal palace by the monarchs of León.

And of course Villafranca, a small town full of charm and with a long history. In 1822, it was the capital of El Bierzo, and relics from the past still remain; from Santiago's Church with its Door of Forgiveness, The Collegiate Church, Water Street, with its stately homes and the Palace of the Marquis of Villafranca.