Villafranca del Bierzo

Camino Frances

To end of camino
180.9
Altitude
519

Valtuille de Arriba

4.40

Villafranca del Bierzo

5.30

Pereje

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes

The Municipal and Ave Fenix albergues are at the very start of town. The latter is adjacent to the Iglesia de Santiago, one of only two churches along the way to have its own Holy Door for the benefit of pilgrims too sick to make it to the Santiago Cathedral.

Villafranca del Bierzo is one of the prettiest towns along the camino in El Bierzo. It is full of narrow streets that twist and turn and dare you to not get lost.

Located along the Burbia and Valcarce rivers it can be difficult to navigate and steep climbs seem to be obligatory no matter the destination.

Notice

The Municipal and Ave Fenix albergues are at the very start of town. The latter is adjacent to the Iglesia de Santiago, one of only two churches along the way to have its own Holy Door for the benefit of pilgrims too sick to make it to the Santiago Cathedral.

Fiesta

The Fiestas del Cristo are held on the 14th of September.

History

San Francisco de Assisi passed through 800 years ago and is said to have founded the Iglesia de San Francisco, do pay it a visit as it often doubles as an exhibition hall (plus its elevation affords a good view as the sun sets in the valley).

During the Peninsular War Villafranca was used as the headquarters for the Galician army and was sacked not once but three times by the English before finally falling into the hands of the French. It is a wonder that any part of it remains.

The most famous Villafranquino in recent centuries is Enrique Gil y Carrasco, a beloved author and world traveler.

The Road

Leave town by way of the bridge over the río Burbia. At the end of the bridge, the camino splits. Most pilgrims keep along the road which winds along the valley floor following the old national VI road, in the shadow of its replacement which soars above. The camino here is on paved asphalt, the old road surface, but is separated from the road by a barrier wall. There are numerous places where it crosses the road, and you are encouraged to watch out for traffic here; it is infrequent but speedy.

Comments

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

This albergue stands out because of how Maria and her mother would go over and beyond in making sure that the pilgrims get a comfortable stay. They’ve been running the place for 9 years and are clearly happy in what they do. Great location, fireplace, spotless rooms and amenities, reasonable price for washer and dryer. The kitchen is a bit small but our overall experience was just amazing!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Alberge Leo er det dejligste lille Alberge. Her er roligt og hyggeligt og en skøn atmosfære. Stedet emmer af god smag og et meget imødekommende personale.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Warning, water supply is temporarily contaminated due to a recent storm flushing ash from a forest fire into the river. Do not drink from any taps or fountains.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

highly rec!! hospitalero was so thoughtful and kind!! a beautiful home converted to an albergue right near the river and the beach!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Danny the host is welcoming and wonderful. The Hostal and restaurant are beautifully decorated, warm and spotless. The best place we’ve stayed on the entire Camino. Food is fabulous so be sure to eat at the restaurant. Highly recommend!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Do NOT miss this restaurant in Villafranca!!! I had a fresh, perfectly seasoned ensalasa tomate, followed by secreto, a perfectly seasoned pork. Check out this place!!!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Everyone needs to eat breakfast at MicroHostel Restaurante La Puerta del Person…you will thank me later. I had the most delicious orange zest bread there

Camino de Sant…

If going over the mountain be careful once you get to a turn off for pradela or Trabedero. It's not well marked but there's a, sign for a bar to the right. Don't go that way, go left to get to Trabedero. We missed it and added an extra few klms to our day. The downhill into Trabedero was brutal.