Castle of the Templars
Localización del Camino de Santiago de Invierno
The Castle of Ponferrada is one of the main tourist attractions not only of the city but also of the El Bierzo region. This impressive medieval fortress, inhabited by monks and Knights Templar between the 12th and 13th centuries, rises above the city of Ponferrada, offering spectacular views of the El Bierzo region. Its striking architecture, with robust walls, towers and a moat surrounding the fortress, attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The castle is the best-preserved of those built by the Templars in Spain, making it a site of great historical and cultural interest. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Sil and Boeza rivers made it a key defensive point during the Middle Ages. Today, visitors can walk along its walls, explore its rooms and stroll through its passageways, which still hold secrets of medieval history.
In addition to its architecture, exhibitions are held that detail the history of the fortress, the Order of the Temple and the role it played on the Way of St James. It is a unique opportunity to delve into the medieval and Templar past of the region, with objects, weapons and historical pieces that enrich the visit.
For photography enthusiasts, the Castle of Ponferrada is a perfect place to capture panoramic views of both the castle itself and the surrounding landscapes. Its combination of history, architecture and natural surroundings makes it a fascinating tourist destination. Moreover, it is located in the very centre of Ponferrada, allowing visitors to also enjoy the old town, with its cobbled streets, squares and other historic monuments.
In short, the Castle of Ponferrada is a must-see stop for those wishing to discover Spain’s medieval history and enjoy impressive views in a unique setting.
INFORMATION
📍 Location & Contact
- Address: C. Gil y Carrasco, 1, 24401 Ponferrada, León
Website: https://castillodelostemplarios.com/ - Contact:
- Phone: 987 40 22 44
- Email: castillodelostemplarios@ponferrada.org
- Social Media:
🗣️ Languages in which the public is served: Mainly in Spanish, and guided tours can also be conducted in English. If a tour in another language is needed, it is recommended to contact the company offering the service in advance.
👥 Capacity: The maximum capacity is not fixed at a constant number and may vary.
♿ Accessibility: Yes
General admission: €6 / Reduced admission (*): €4 / Free admission (**):€0
(*) Reduced admission – €4
Includes: youth, students, unemployed, pensioners, pilgrims with updated credential, cultural or charitable groups (+15 people), and groups of students from outside the El Bierzo region (+13 years).
(**) Free admission – €0
Includes: children under 14, people with disabilities and essential companion, schoolchildren and students from the El Bierzo region, accredited teaching staff, official guides and group companions, volunteers or social groups from Ponferrada, journalists, institutional guests, collaborating cultural or academic entities, citizens of Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, and all visitors on Wednesdays, as well as Sundays for Ponferrada Citizen Card holders, and special dates (23/04, 12/10, 06/12, and one day during European Mobility Week).
(*) (**) Accreditation must be presented at the ticket office with a valid and up-to-date official document.
