Gate and bridge
Over the moat.
Davidh820 — CC BY-SA 3.0 es · D.Rovchak — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Fernando Losada Rodríguez — CC BY-SA 4.0 · D.Rovchak — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lancastermerrin88 — CC BY-SA 4.0
Ponferrada Castle is a large stone castle on a hill above the meeting of the Sil and Boeza rivers in Ponferrada, capital of the El Bierzo region in León province, north-western Spain. It is known as the Templar Castle. Its origins go back to the 12th century, when the King of León granted the area to the Knights Templar to protect pilgrims on the Way of St James, which passes through the town. The castle grew over the following centuries until the 15th century into a vast complex with double walls, square and round towers and an imposing gate reached by a bridge over a moat. Visitors explore the inner courtyards, the walls and the towers, and see an exhibition on the history of the Templars and a library holding copies of old manuscripts. From the walls there are views over the town, the river and the mountains around the Bierzo valley. A small entry fee is charged. Pilgrims on the Way of St James pass the castle, and in summer it hosts a festive medieval-themed night.
Over the moat.
Many towers.
Manuscript copies.
Ponferrada, León, Spain
One to two hours.
Yes, a small fee.