Templar castle of Ponferrada
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Templar castle of Ponferrada - by Heidi L on Google
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.
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
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:1h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
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
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
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
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