Templar castle of Ponferrada
Ponferrada, Spain
A large walled castle once held by the Knights Templar, on the Camino de Santiago where it enters El Bierzo. Inside is a library of facsimile medieval books.
The Templar castle of Ponferrada stands on a site that was first a prehistoric castro (fortified settlement) and then a Roman fortress. In the 12th century the Templars took over the place to protect pilgrims on the way to Santiago; according to one source they were given Ponferrada by Ferdinand II of León in 1178. After the order was dissolved in 1311–12, the noble families Castro and Osorio expanded the castle further. It stands above the Río Sil, covers about 16,000 m² and has a polygonal plan with multiple lines of defence.
The entrance leads over a drawbridge across the moat and between two crenellated towers. Inside is the Biblioteca Templaria, with around 1,400 books, including facsimiles of famous manuscripts. From the towers there are views over Ponferrada and the Sil. The castle is a listed monument and an audio guide is available; opening times vary with the season. Ponferrada is regarded as the start of the last 200 km of the Camino Francés.
- Nearest town
- Ponferrada, Spain
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.5421, -6.5967
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Área ecosanitaria de caravanasMotorhome stopover1 km from Templar castle of Ponferrada · 30 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalFree
- Área de Autocaravanas PonferradaMotorhome stopover1 km from Templar castle of Ponferrada · 23 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Area de Karting CabanasMotorhome stopover9 km from Templar castle of Ponferrada · 10 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Camping BierzoCampsite12 km from Templar castle of PonferradaTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsNo dogs
- Área de Playa Fluvial - Toral de los VadosMotorhome stopover15 km from Templar castle of Ponferrada · 7 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Camping Rivera del CúaCampsite21 km from Templar castle of PonferradaTentsCaravansDogs allowed
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Templar castle of Ponferrada?
Templar castle of Ponferrada is in Ponferrada, Spain, at GPS 42.5421, -6.5967. It is about 6 km from Molinaseca.
Can you camp near Templar castle of Ponferrada?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Área ecosanitaria de caravanas, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Templar castle of Ponferrada?
Templar castle of Ponferrada is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Asturias to León: Somiedo, Las Médulas and the Camino.
What is there to see near Templar castle of Ponferrada?
Places worth a stop nearby: Las Médulas (17 km), Gaudí’s Episcopal Palace, Astorga (45 km), Valle de Lago, Somiedo (65 km) and Rio de Onor (67 km).
When is the best time to visit Templar castle of Ponferrada?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)