Add to favorites In favorites
Activities in Ponferrada

Ponferrada Castle Guided Tour

Step back in time at the Castle of Ponferrada, one of the most impressive Templar fortresses in Spain, on this guided tour through its towers, ramparts, and halls. With 12 towers, said by some to represent the constellations of the zodiac, it's also known as the castle of the stars.

Step back in time at the Castle of Ponferrada, one of the most impressive Templar fortresses in Spain, on this guided tour through its towers, ramparts, and halls. With 12 towers, said by some to represent the constellations of the zodiac, it's also known as the castle of the stars.

Tour Details

At the designated time, we'll meet at the castle to begin our visit. During the tour, we'll explore the full castle, hidden little corners included, uncovering the history of the knights who once held it.

We'll begin at the castle front, taking in the barbican and the Tower of Snails before crossing the bailey. Much of what we see here was built in the 15th century by Pedro Álvarez Osorio, Count of Lemos, the most significant figure in the castle's history and the man responsible for most of its current structures.

From there, we'll walk the lower wall walk, passing the Tower of Cabrera, the Tower of Badneighbour, the Tower of Malpica, and the Tower of the Catholic Monarchs, until we reach the old castle. This is where the story really begins: the Templars were granted these old Visigothic walls by King Ferdinand II of León in 1178, and by 1211 they were lords of the town of Ponferrada itself. Their reign ended in 1312, when the order was persecuted and dissolved across Europe.

We'll continue to the new keep, the Tower of the Duke of Arjona, and the old keep, and talk about the lords who held the fortress after the Templars departed, from the Castro lineage under Pedro Fernández de Castro to the Duke of Arjona himself.

Returning through the main courtyard, we'll follow the river wall walk past the Cave of the Moorish Woman, a spot wrapped in local legend, and up to the Tower of Moclín. From here, we'll continue along the upper wall walk and finish in the new palace, where the palace courtyard, the Templar library, the old room, the palace hall, the Templar chapel, and the extraordinary Templum Libri library await.

After a total of 2 hours, we'll bring the tour to an end in the new palace

View complete description

More Information

Duration

2 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English. The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide

Not included

Admission to the Ponferrada Castle: 6 (US$ 6.91) general admission, 4 (US$ 4.60) reduced admission (students, seniors, unemployed people), and free for children under 14 years old, people with disabilities, and teachers

When to book?

You can book up until 10 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Ponferrada Tours Corporate name: Omar Fernández Rubio Registered Office: Calle de Manuel Fraga 8 8ºG, Ponferrada, Spain Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 71504721k Contact information Email: info@ponferradatours.com Phone: 629727426 This supplier is commited to providing services in accordance with applicable European Union laws.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Entrance ramp to Ponferrada Castle

View map

Other activities in Ponferrada

Log in to rate the reviews of other travelers

Don't have an account? Register here
Select a list of favourites
  • Create a new list