The best cycling routes around La Cabrera

The Lambrión Chupacandiles statue in Ponferrada is a bronze tribute to one of the most iconic figures of the local Semana Santa tradition. Installed in 2024 at the Church of San Andrés, the statue depicts a Nazareno in a black hooded robe, holding a bell—just as he parades through the city each year to announce the arrival of Holy Week. The figure, which originated in the 17th century, is linked to the Hermandad de Jesús Nazareno and takes its name from a legend that says he tasted wine and even oil from candlesticks along the way. Designed by Tomás Bañuelos and Soraya Triana, the sculpture has become a recognizable symbol of Ponferrada's religious heritage.

When viewing the rock formations of Las Medulas, it's important to remember that this landscape is not natural, but rather the (sad) remains of a mountain range that was ruthlessly exploited for its gold ore as early as the Roman Empire. Nevertheless, this landscape of ruins is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 15-minute film documentary about it (although only available in German) is available in the ARD media library as part of the highly recommended series "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" =>> https://www.zdf.de/swr/schaetze-der-welt/page-video-ard-las-mdulas-und-seine-goldminen-spanien-100.html

A town of less than fifty inhabitants and with 5 restaurants and seven hostels. The miracles of the Camino de Santiago

The Mirador de Orellán is a spectacular observation point located in the town of Orellán, in the municipality of Borrenes, León. This viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the cultural landscape of Las Médulas, an ancient Roman gold mining complex declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Near the viewpoint, you can visit the underground galleries that were part of the Roman gold mining system. Entry costs €3 and a helmet with headlamp is provided for the visit.

Castrocalbón is a place with a rich history and several points of interest that you can visit. Castrocalbón Castle: Although in ruins, it is a fascinating testimony to the medieval architecture and history of the region. San Pedro Church: A church with Romanesque and Gothic elements, which houses interesting altarpieces and sculptures. Hermitage of the Virgin of the Rosary: A place of local devotion, with simple architecture and a peaceful setting.

Castrocalbón Castle is an ancient fortress located in the town of Castrocalbón, in the province of León. Built in the Middle Ages, the castle has gone through various phases of construction and destruction over the centuries. Today, only a few remains remain, such as a rammed earth wall plastered with mortar and an ashlar arch. In the past, the castle had several archways and walls that have been compared to the Berber kasbahs of the High Atlas.

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

La Taberna de Gaia is a medieval restaurant located in Foncebadón, in the province of León, near Monte Irago and the Cruz de Hierro. This place stands out for its unique atmosphere, which transports you to another era with its decoration of old stone and antique wood.