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The Church of San Andrés in Villafranca del Bierzo is a charming 17th-century religious building situated at the foot of the castle and on the edge of the old town. What makes this church special is its Baroque altarpiece and the icons that play a central role in local devotion, especially during the Holy Week processions in Ponferrada.

The Lambrión Chupacandiles statue in Ponferrada is a bronze tribute to one of the most iconic figures of the local Semana Santa tradition. Installed in 2024 at the Church of San Andrés, the statue depicts a Nazareno in a black hooded robe, holding a bell—just as he parades through the city each year to announce the arrival of Holy Week. The figure, which originated in the 17th century, is linked to the Hermandad de Jesús Nazareno and takes its name from a legend that says he tasted wine and even oil from candlesticks along the way. Designed by Tomás Bañuelos and Soraya Triana, the sculpture has become a recognizable symbol of Ponferrada's religious heritage.

Ponferrada's Parque del Oeste, also known as La Rosaleda Park, is a modern green space located in one of the city's expanding neighborhoods. It's a highly valued area among residents for its spaciousness, cleanliness, and variety of outdoor leisure options.

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.

The Sil River Path in Ponferrada is a very popular hiking and cycling route. The circular route begins at the Clock Tower and passes by iconic sites such as the Cubelos Bridge, the Templar Castle, and the Basilica of the Virgen de la Encina. Another option is the Romeros Path, which also follows the course of the Sil River and reaches the Bárcena Dam. This route is ideal for nature lovers and offers stunning scenery.

A nice and good place to take a break. With many opportunities to stop

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.