My tip“The castle is privately owned and is not usually open; enjoy it from outside. The town is a pleasant stop between León and Galicia, and its weather is warmer than the Castilian plains.”
A lovely town in the Bierzo valley at the meeting of two rivers, nicknamed “Little Compostela”, because a sick pilgrim could gain the pilgrimage's indulgence there without completing the route. Its stone streets have mansions with coats of arms, and the Marquises' castle with square towers.
What to see
Castle of the Marquises of Villafranca (seen from outside) · Calle del Agua street with its noble mansions · the town square and its cafés · the bridge over the Burbia river · the Alameda gardens
Easy to reach, needs a car
On the A-6 motorway (two hours from León); limited Alsa buses. The streets are slightly steep and paved; one to two hours.
Address
Pl. Prim, 12, 24500 Villafranca del Bierzo, León