The best road cycling routes around Priaranza Del Bierzo

At the end of the 11th century, Osmundo, Bishop of Astorga, ordered the construction of a bridge (partly made of iron = pons ferrata) over the Sil for the pilgrims on the Way of St. James, near which a settlement was built. At the "pons ferrata", the iron bridge, the Knights Templar built a huge castle on a surface area of 160 x 90 m to protect the pilgrims on the Way of St. James. The medieval castle complex was inhabited by the Knights Templar from 1178 to 1312. Source: Wikipedia

The Templars' heyday from the 12th to 14th centuries led to the construction of this mighty fortress, among other things to protect the pilgrims on the Way of St. James. The rampart on the city hill stands out impressively against the mountain backdrop and absolutely conforms to the stereotypical image of a knight's castle. It is sensationally well maintained and a feast for the eyes.

The order, often referred to simply as the "Order of the Knights Templar," whose full name is "Poor Knights of Christ and of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem," takes us mentally back to the 13th century. Founded in the Holy Land, it spread surprisingly quickly to many countries in Central Europe, and this castle complex in Ponferrada, northern Spain, was one of its numerous branches. The order gained notoriety through its dissolution in 1312 by the French king and the pope, and many of its members were burned at the stake as alleged heretics. The main reason for the dissolution, however, was not the members' human and religious misconduct (heresy), which was merely a pretext, but the legendary wealth of this order. King Philip IV of France primarily wanted to secure the treasures to bolster his coffers.

Corullón, in the El Bierzo region, is a place where nature unfolds at its maximum expression. Its chestnut groves, with numerous centuries-old specimens, hide a world of sensations. Along endless paths, you can discover interesting flora and fauna. In addition, Corullón is characterized by its vineyards, cherry trees and orchard products. If you want to explore more, I recommend the Route ‘Between Vineyards and Cherry Trees’, famous for the spectacular flowering of cherry trees at the end of March and beginning of April. In August or early September, the vineyards take center stage, combining reddish, green and ocher colors. An unforgettable experience in the middle of Bercian nature! 🌳🍇🌸

The Mirador de Corullón invites you to immerse yourself in centuries of history and discover the essence of Bierzo. Located at LE-5220, 24514 Corullón, this beautiful enclave offers you exuberant nature so you can enjoy the fresh air of the mountains. From the viewpoint, you can contemplate the impressive views of the mountains, rivers, forests, cherry groves and vineyards that characterize the region. In addition, the Corullón City Council has installed 25 tables and benches so you can enjoy the panoramic view and have a picnic in this place. If you visit Corullón, don't miss this unique and unforgettable experience. 🌄🍷🌸

The Templar Castle of Ponferrada is a superb building. It houses the Templar Library and the Ponferrada Center for Research and Historical Studies, with over 1,400 books, including facsimiles of works by Leonardo da Vinci. It was originally a Roman camp and later a citadel. In the early 12th century, the Templars took possession of the fortress, strengthening and expanding it to serve as a residential palace and as a protection for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The building has an irregular square plan, and its most notable entrance is reached by crossing the moat over a drawbridge and, further on, two large crenellated towers joined by an arch. Its twelve original towers depicted the constellations.

Cacabelos is a town in the heart of the Bierzo region. Located on the banks of the Cúa river in a spectacular landscape surrounded by the mountains of León, Ancares, La Cabrera.

Villafranca del Bierzo is a beautiful town on the banks of the Burbia river on the Camino de Santiago between Ponferrada and O Cebreiro and at the southern gate of the Ancares from Leon. The most outstanding monuments are the Castle-Palace of the Marqueses of Villafranca and the Convent of La Anunciada.