Tourist Information from Villafranca del Bierzo, León, Spain

General Information:

Villafranca del Bierzo is a municipality in the province of León, Region of Castile and León, in Spain. Belongs to the region of Bierzo.

Villafranca is located at the confluence of the rivers Burbia and Valcarce. It is a quintessential Jacobean town, which owes its birth and development largely to the Camino de Santiago.

Knowing Villafranca is visiting its churches, convents, walk its streets, squares, admire the noble houses, discover their gastronomy, wines, traditions, people and history.

History:

At the end of the eleventh century a group of French monks of the order of Clunny founded a monastery, around which begins to grow a borough.

Centuries later, the establishment of the Marquis in Villafranca actively contributes to the artistic development of the town, with the construction of important buildings both civil and religious.

Places of Interest:

· Iglesia de Santiago: Is a Romanic church from the XII century. It´s well-known "puerta del Perdón" offers the possibility of getting the same indulgences than in the Cathedral of Santiago, for those ill pilgrims unable to continue the Way to Compostela.

· Castillo-Palacio de los Marqueses de Villafranca: The castle was built in the XVI century. It has a square roud plan with four towers at the corners. It was rebuilt after the Independece War. Visitors are not allowed.

· Iglesia de San Francisco: This church is the only remain from a Grey Friar convent in Villafranca. It was built in the XIII century in a Gothic style. A Mudejar coffered ceiling was placed in the XV century.

· Convento de San Nicolás: Originally, San Nicolás was a Jesuit convent from the XVII century in a Baroque style. Nowadays it belongs to the order of "Padres Paúles". The Saint Patron of Villafranca, "Cristo de la Esperanza" can be seen inside the church.

· Colegiata de Santa María: The Collegiate church was built where a monastery of the French Order of Cluny was set up. The new building was done between XVI and XVII centuries. Remarkable vaults made of slate. Valuable Renaissance altarpiece placed in the Trinity Chapel.

· Monasterio de la Anunciada: Convent of the Order of St. Claire founded in the XVII century. An interesting collection of paints can be seen as well as a tabernacle in the middle of the Baroque altarpiece. The biggest ald oldest cypress in Spain can be admired in this convent.

· Calle del Agua: Pilgrims go through this street on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Many houses and palaces with coats of arms on their façades can be gazed. It is known to be the most important street in the town.

· Jardín de la Alameda: Beautiful romantic garden with an interesting fountain brought from the Monastery of Carracedo.

· Convento de San José: It was founded by Lucas de Castro who was one of the abbots in the collegiate of Santa María, in 1610. An interestig Baroque altarpiece can be seen inside.

· Convento de la Concepción: It was built in the XVI century by the second marquis of Villafranca. It is a very simple building with the church in one side.

· Iglesia de San Juan de Fiz: This church dates from the last years of the XII century. It has only one nave with semicircular apse. Down the apse ther is a Roman Cistern. The church has two doors, the main one has some plants as decoration, and the cementery was placed on the North.