Villafranca del Bierzo: The Camino de Santiago, Old Town and Wine

If you’re looking for a hotel in Villafranca del Bierzo, your travel interests can be a good place to start: you might focus on the Camino de Santiago and architectural history, traditional customs, or the landscape and wine culture of the municipality.

Old Town and the Camino de Santiago

The old town of Villafranca del Bierzo is designated as a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). Calle del Agua has a connection to the Camino de Santiago: it forms part of the Ruta Jacobea. The Iglesia de Santiago is also one of the town’s notable historic landmarks. The Romanesque church dates from the 12th century.

The Puerta del Perdón is located at the Iglesia de Santiago. According to tradition, pilgrims received an indulgence there if illness prevented them from continuing their journey to Santiago de Compostela. This custom gives the building a special connection to the history of pilgrimage.

The Castillo de los Marqueses de Villafranca and the Colegiata de Santa María offer further glimpses into the town’s history. The Castillo was rebuilt in 1515 as the residence of the Marquessate of Villafranca del Bierzo. The Monasterio de la Anunciada houses the Flemish painting collection “Los ermitaños de la Anunciada,” dating from 1601. A monastery of the French Cluniac Order stood on the present site of the Colegiata; 1070 is considered a possible construction date for this monastery.

Customs and Fiestizaje

During the Festa do Maio, the Maios parade through the streets and squares of Villafranca del Bierzo, accompanied by traditional songs. Other described elements of the custom include asking for donations and a ritual in which the Maio is raised. For the human Maio, a child or young person is dressed in Cañaveira to represent the spirit of spring on that day. This form is considered unique in Castilla y León, both in its typology and because of its singing language—the eastern Galician spoken in Bierzo.

The Playa Fluvial on the Burbia River offers another cultural and scenic side of the town. It serves as the venue for the Festival Internacional de Músicas del Mundo, known as Fiestizaje. The festival held its 20th edition there in 2025.

Landscape, Wine and Routes

The municipality of Villafranca del Bierzo covers 177 km² and is part of the Reserva de la Biosfera de Ancares Leoneses. In the municipality, you can hike through vineyards and chestnut groves, follow trails in a biosphere reserve, and visit scenic peaks. You can also experience the area’s Roman past at the gold mines of La Leitosa.

Wine is another local experience: tastings are available at local wineries in Villafranca del Bierzo and its municipality. These include white, red and rosé wines from DO Bierzo. As availability depends on each winery, it is advisable to enquire about tastings directly with them.

Getting There and Planning

Villafranca del Bierzo is accessible by car via the AP-6, A-6 and N-VI. For groups, the Oficina de Turismo offers guided tours of the cultural heritage from Tuesday to Saturday. They last approximately two hours and must be booked in advance. Confirm dates and make your reservation directly with the Oficina de Turismo before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pendilla, Mansilla Mayor, Villaturiel, Orellán, Santa Colomba De Somoza, Castrocontrigo, Odollo, Palacios De La Valduerna.

Go to the main travel overview: León.