Day 6: Ponferrada

Ponferrada is completely surrounded by mountains and is the last major town (pop 70,000) before we reach Santiago de Compostela. It was the largest mining center in Europe during Roman times -- primary for iron and gold.

In the center of town is the Castillo de los Templarios, a Templar castle which covers approximately 4 acres. In 1178 city was given to the Templar order for protecting the pilgrims on The Way. This was one of the last strong hold of the Templar Knights until they were eliminated by the Spanish Inquisition. 

"Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" - Monty Python