Villafranca del Bierzo

Villafranca del Bierzo is the last major place before O Cebreiro, a major climb up a steep incline the following day. So bad is the climb that in the 15th century under the bull by Calistus III, any pilgrim who is unable to complete their pilgrimage due to illness could achieve that same plenary indulgence if they cross the 'Puerta del Perdón', the door on the church of Santiago de Villafranca. This is a unique privilege in the Road to Santiago.



Church at the other side of the bank.



Church of Santiago de Villafranca.



The church door, 'Puerta del Perdón'. Closed as usual this time of day.



I decided to stay a few kilometers after Villafranca del Bierzo, in a small town called Pereje. That way I have a shorter distance to cover the following day when I climb up O Cebreiro. On the way out of Villafranca is this huge structure.



Looking at the contruction, it's probably a fort.