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The Basilica of Our Lady of the Holm Oak, located in the old town of Ponferrada, is one of the most emblematic churches in the Bierzo region and a key point on the Camino de Santiago. It was built on the remains of a 12th-century medieval church known as Santa María. Construction of the current basilica began in 1573 and was completed a century later.

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

On the patronage of this church: San ANDRES is one of the twelve apostles that Jesus Christ called to follow him. However, in the biblical accounts he is often somewhat overshadowed by his much more famous brother: San Pedro. In the four gospels we find the calling of the two siblings presented in different ways. According to the text of the Gospel of John (John 1:40-42), Andrew is called first (together with another disciple whose name is not mentioned). Later he tells his brother Simon that he has found the Messiah. The feast of San Andres in the calendar of saints is on November 30th in all major Christian denominations.

Sant ESTEVE or ESTEBAN, Saint Stephen, patron saint of this church, is one of the first seven deacons of the original Jerusalem community and, as the New Testament reports, is the first martyr (martyr) of early Christianity. The church commemorates his death on the second day of Christmas, December 26th. When Stephen expressed his vision of the open heavens, "But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God" (Acts chapter 7 verse 55), the people were so outraged that they drove him out of the city and stoned him.

The Templars' heyday from the 12th to 14th centuries led to the construction of this mighty fortress, among other things to protect the pilgrims on the Way of St. James. The rampart on the city hill stands out impressively against the mountain backdrop and absolutely conforms to the stereotypical image of a knight's castle. It is sensationally well maintained and a feast for the eyes.

The order, often referred to simply as the "Order of the Knights Templar," whose full name is "Poor Knights of Christ and of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem," takes us mentally back to the 13th century. Founded in the Holy Land, it spread surprisingly quickly to many countries in Central Europe, and this castle complex in Ponferrada, northern Spain, was one of its numerous branches. The order gained notoriety through its dissolution in 1312 by the French king and the pope, and many of its members were burned at the stake as alleged heretics. The main reason for the dissolution, however, was not the members' human and religious misconduct (heresy), which was merely a pretext, but the legendary wealth of this order. King Philip IV of France primarily wanted to secure the treasures to bolster his coffers.

Around the church is the official hostel with many sleeping cabins, a shower and toilets. The hostel is definitely worth visiting and staying overnight

The Church of San Esteban de Columbrianos, near Ponferrada, is a place of great historical and architectural importance. Its Romanesque style, decorative elements and state of conservation make it a point of interest for lovers of art and history1. It dates back to 1778, and its belfry tower was rebuilt in 1948 after it was struck by lightning and part of it collapsed. I hope you find this architectural gem interesting! 😊