Ponferrada

Ponferrada sits at the meeting point of the Sil and Boeza rivers, with the Knights Templar castle positioned on a hill overlooking the valley.

The settlement gained prominence in 1178 when Ferdinand II of León permitted the Knights Templar to establish an administrative center to protect pilgrims.

The Basilica of La Encina, constructed in the 17th century, exhibits a Latin cross layout and contains numerous architectural elements from different periods.

The municipality connects to major Spanish cities through the Autovía A-6 highway and regular train services from its central railway station.

The National Energy Museum documents the region's industrial past, focusing on the coal mining operations that shaped the local economy until the late 20th century.

Location: León Province

Capital city: Ponferrada

Elevation above the sea: 512 m

Part of: Way of Saint James in the province of León, Mancomunidad Municipal para el Tratamiento de las Aguas Residuales del Bajo Bierzo

Shares border with: San Román de Bembibre, Molinaseca, Santa Colomba de Somoza, Lucillo, Truchas, Castrillo de Cabrera, Benuza, Priaranza del Bierzo, Borrenes, Carracedelo, Camponaraya, Cabañas Raras, Cubillos del Sil

Website: http://ponferrada.org

GPS coordinates: 42.54611,-6.59083

Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:34