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Templar castle of Ponferrada

1 Calle Gil y Carrasco, Ponferrada, Castilla y León

Description

The Templar castle of Ponferrada was built at the end of the 12th century to protect pilgrims passing through the El Bierzo region on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The fortress hosted the Knights Templar's Grand Master of Castille but the order was eventually dissolved and the castle amalgamated into the Crown of Castile. The enclosure is shaped like an irregular polygon and the main surviving features are the semi-circular arch linking two towers at the entrance, and the defensive walls with the promenade above them. There is also a renovated library inside.

Access & Transport

The castle is situated on the edge of Ponferrada, in the western-most part of the León province, 60km from Astorga and 115km from the city of León. It is an easy 10mins walk to town or the train station and there is a large parking space 500m away along Av. el Castillo.

Instructions & Recommendations

For those with a car, we suggest a drive to discover the landscapes of Las Médulas, 20km away.

Meta review

Consistent feedback from online reviewers that rate the attraction rather well mostly on account of its exterior look. Once inside, the best parts seem to be the library and the views over the surroundings.

Environmental & Social

We deem this attraction environmentally neutral. Part of the region's architectural and historical heritages. Tourism also brings some economic revenues to the town

Conclusion

A case of looks without the brain here; the castle definitely enhances the town's skyline and rubs some medieval charm, but culturally it leaves one wanting. Do visit if in town, but it doesn't warrant a major detour, in our opinion.

Key positive

Very well renovated defensive walls

Interesting library

Key negative

Not much left to see inside

Suitability

Wheelchair users can enter the castle easily enough but not go up the ramparts

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Opens until 19h00 in March and October

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1 / Period 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:00 - 14:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 14:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 14:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 14:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 14:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 14:00

Season 1 / Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY16:30 - 20:30

WEDNESDAY16:30 - 20:30

THURSDAY16:30 - 20:30

FRIDAY16:30 - 20:30

SATURDAY16:30 - 20:30

SUNDAY16:30 - 20:30

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2 / Period 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:00 - 14:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 14:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 14:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 14:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 14:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 14:00

Season 2 / Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY16:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY16:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY16:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY16:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY16:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY16:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€6
Adult
14 - 64
€6
Child
3 - 13
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Price for students is 4 €

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