Where does the French way Camino start?
St.Jean Pied de Port
The main starting point of the French Way is St. Jean Pied de Port in France but you can start the walk basically from any place on the Camino depending on how much time you have and how far you want to walk.
Why did pilgrims walk the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santigo is also known as the Way of St James and was an important Christian pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. Pilgrims walked the route in order to reduce the punishment of their sins. The scallop shell has long been the symbol for the Camino de Santiago.
What is the best month to walk the Camino?
July and August are the most popular months, though they can be unpleasantly hot, with scorched vegetation. May-June and Sep are the best time to walk the Camino de Santiago, as the weather is lovely, downpours less likely, and you’ll have plenty of company along the way – but it won’t be quite as crowded.
Where is the castle of Ponferrada?
The Castle of Ponferrada is located in the city of the same name, in the region of El Bierzo, León. It is situated at the top of a hill where the rivers Sil and Boeza meet. It forms an enclosure of more than 8,000 square meters in which there are strong defenses that form towers, barbicans, rooms and a courtyard.
What is the Castillo Templario de Ponferrada?
The Castillo Templario de Ponferrada, or Castle of the Knights Templar, is a castle-fortress built by the Knights Templar. It is located in Ponferrada, a town in the Castile-Leon region of Northern Spain. If walking the Camino de Santiago, you should arrive in Ponferrada approximately nine to 10 days before walking into Santiago de Compostela.
What to do in Ponferrada?
After visiting the museum you can make your way to the top of the castle and enjoy wonderful views of Ponferrada across the river Sil. The castle also hosts the Templars library which is home to over 1,400 books. This National Historical Artistic Monument boasts work from Leonardo da Vinci among its impressive collection.
What is the history of Ponferrada?
It was one of the largest fortress of north-western Spain during the Middle Ages. In 1211 Alfonso IX makes peace with the Knights Templar and donates the village of Ponferrada to them. In 1226 the Knights Templar had already fortified the village.