The French Way of Saint James - Villafranca del Bierzo
- Route Data
- Ascent slope
- 509 m.
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Situated in the Bierzo region, in the north-west of the province of León.
The convergence of two regions in a single spot has created a wealth of natural beauty, bringing together species from wetter areas and others that thrive in warmer and drier climates. A rich environmental heritage boasting chilly sheer peaks and gently rolling vineyards.
Man and nature come together, creating towns and villages that blend in perfectly with their natural setting. Examples of the rich cultural heritage include the Church of Santiago, a Romanesque temple dating back to the late 12th century standing on the Pilgrims’ Route to Santiago and the only place, apart from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims can receive jubilee graces. Villafranca boasts other Assets of Cultural Interest including the castle, the Collegiate Church of Santa María and the churches of San Francisco de Asís, San Juan and San Nicolás el Real.
Reference to content
What to see?
Church of San Fiz de Visonia or de San JuanMore informationTemple built in rough ashlar of slate and is from the Romanesque rural of the XII century or beginning of the XIII. Its floor is a single rectangular nave with a presbytery with straight section and a...
Church of San Francisco de AsisMore informationSingle-nave church with three chapels. It has a Moorish coffered ceiling of the 15th century with laced decoration. Built on the site of the old Hospital de Villafranca. Don Pedro Álvarez de Toledo, the...
Church of SantiagoMore informationA sample of transition Romanesque, with a single nave covered by a barrel vault. The most interesting feature is the south front, the so-called 'Puerta del Perdón' (Gate of Forgiveness).The Iglesia de...
Collegiate of Santa Maria de CluniacoMore informationThis church was built in the 12th century by cluny monks. In the 14th century was turned into ruins and it was rebuilt by the marquises of Villafranca between the 16th and 18th centuries. Gil de Hontañón...
Convent of San Nicolas el RealMore informationIt is a guest quarters, shelter for pilgrims, which forms, together with the church of San Nicolas, a unique architectural ensemble founded in the XVII century as a regular school of the Society of Jesus,...
Exposition “Edades del Hombre” 2024More informationThe XXVII edition of The Exposition "Edades del Hombre" will be held this year 2024 from June 13 to November 30 in Villafranca del Bierzo , Leon, (church of Santiago and collegiate church of Santa María)...
Monastery of the AnunciadaMore informationIts construction took place at the beginning of the 17th century, its founder being Pedro de Toledo y Colonna, V Marquis of Villafranca, II Duke of Fernandina and Prince of Montalbán. The foundation is...
Campo del Agua, El Regueiral and Las ValiñasMore informationThe village of Campo del Agua, in the municipality of Villafranca del Bierzo, is known for its pallozas. It also covers the spaces of El Regueiral and Las Valiñas. It is a set of popular architecture of...
Castle of the Marqueses de VillafrancaMore informationThe building, erected in the early 16th century, is a large square structure with round cubes in the corners and palatial chambers around a central courtyard.Villafranca was a royal and a noble realm alternatively....
