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The Cerredo Pass is located on the regional border between Asturias and Castile and León. Its mountain setting with endless views is breathtaking.

It's one of the many border crossings between Asturias and León. In this case, it connects Villablino with the town of Cerredo and, above all, Degaña. It's a very pretty pass and a great alternative to the Leitariegos Pass for entering Asturias. It's easier than the Leitariegos Pass and definitely has less traffic. Both sides are very similar, with just 5 km of fairly challenging terrain. The Asturian side has a couple of tough kilometers at 7% gradient as it leaves the town of Cerredo. The León side is more consistent, with more curves and better views.

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.

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

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.

The passion of the city of Ponferrada and the entire Bierzo region for their patron saint has given rise to so much devotion and beauty in this place of meeting and prayer. The information and treasures found in different areas inside the basilica are a summary of splendors and difficult moments that did not stop the desire to gather all that legacy. If you ever get the chance to visit, you are sure to enjoy its rich history and spiritual atmosphere! 🙏✨