Spain Destinations: Ponferrada- Home Of The Templars-

Ponferrada is one of the major cities on the Pilgrim’s Road to Santiago de Compostela as it passes through the province of Leon. The city is famous for its Templar castle, which covers approximately 8,000 square meters, but it also offers the visitor several medieval buildings and a charming old town.

What To See In Ponferrada

In the heart of Ponferrada, among mountains and rivers, stands the imposing Templar Castle, built by Ferdinand II in 1178 AD to protect pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. The castle was named after the Knights of Templar who protected the town in the 12th century.

There is a €6 fee to enter the castle which includes an audio guide that narrates your journey through the interior of the building. The Templar Castle is not a stand alone construction ,but a fortress with different sections inside that show the many transformations over the centuries. During the visit you will discover how every structure, towers, walls and even doors have their own history since the Medieval Times.

There is also a Medieval Fest every year from June 30th to July 3rd, where the whole city is taken back to the 12th century. The castle of Ponferrada and the streets of the city are set in medieval times, with Templar banners and locals wearing their best medieval clothes.