Castle-Palace of the Marquesses of Villafranca

Those walking the Camino Francés through El Bierzo will come across one of its most recognisable buildings in Villafranca del Bierzo: the castle-palace of the Marquesses of Villafranca. Its very name hints at its dual nature, halfway between fortress and noble residence, and at the importance of the lineage that gave it its name in the history of this town in the province of León.

The monument is also known by two other names: the Castle of the Marquesses of Villafranca and the Castle of the Counts of Peñarramiro. This variety of names reflects how the building has become associated with different noble titles over time, something worth bearing in mind if you are looking up information before your visit or asking the locals about it.

Its connection with the Way of St James is neither coincidental nor merely geographical. In 2015, when UNESCO approved the extension of the Camino de Santiago's listing in Spain under the title Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain, the documentation submitted by Spain included a retrospective inventory of associated elements. Listed in that inventory, under number 1869, is none other than the palace of the Marquess of Villafranca, recognising it as part of the heritage linked to the pilgrimage.

For travellers, then, the castle-palace is more than just a historic silhouette in the Bierzo landscape: it is one piece of the network of monuments that for centuries accompanied those walking towards Compostela. It is well worth pausing in front of it at leisure, whether as a stage on the Camino or as an excuse to discover Villafranca del Bierzo and the surrounding area, and letting its presence tell the story of how important this town was on the pilgrim route.