The municipality
Camponaraya covers 29 km² in the centre of El Bierzo, at 490 metres above sea level, on flat land that has made its industrial estate and its transport links easier. It has about 4,100 inhabitants.
What to see in Camponaraya?
History
The name joins two medieval villages, Campo and Naraya, recorded from the 10th century and resettled by the kings of León. For centuries they depended on the powerful monastery of Santa María de Carracedo.
Over time the two settlements merged into a single village, crossed by the Camino Frances, which had two pilgrim hospitals: that of La Soledad and that of San Juan de Jabero.
Language
Camponaraya lies in a transition zone between Galician and Leonese, which shows in its place names and in the speech of older people.
Economy
It is one of the food-producing centres of El Bierzo, with products of recognised quality:
- D.O. Bierzo wine: the Viñas del Bierzo cooperative is here, beside the Camino, where pilgrims can stop for a tasting.
- Bierzo reineta apple (D.O.).
- Bierzo roasted pepper (P.G.I.).
- Botillo del Bierzo (P.G.I.).
- Cecina de León (P.G.I.).
- Bierzo Conference pear (D.O.).
Festivities
The patron saint festivities are held in honour of the Virgen de la Soledad, in September.
Other events in the year:
- Romería de Santiago.
- Romería de la Cuesta, in August.
- Pure Spanish horse fair.
- Hunting dog fair.
Each hamlet also has its own festivities:
| Hamlet | Main Festival | Month |
|---|---|---|
| Hervededo | San Antonio | June |
| La Válgoma | La Ascensión | May |
| Magaz de Abajo | Santa Elena | April |
| Narayola | Ntra. Sra. y San Roque | August |
Population
Residents by settlement:
| Settlement | Inhabitants |
|---|---|
| Camponaraya | 2.943 |
| Magaz de Abajo | 510 |
| Narayola | 389 |
| La Válgoma | 161 |
| Hervededo | 69 |
In short
Camponaraya is a village of wine and fruit in the middle of El Bierzo: few monuments, but one of the tastiest stops on the Camino.
| Country | Spain | |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomous community | Castilla y León | |
| Province | Leon Province | |
| Comarca | El Bierzo | |
| Judicial district | Ponferrada | |
| Municipal association | Bierzo Central Agua del Bierzo Bajo Bierzo | |
| Location | 42°34′50″N 6°40′13″O | |
| Elevation | 490 m | |
| Area | 29,13 km² | |
| Settlements | Camponaraya, Hervededo, Magaz de Abajo, Narayola y La Válgoma | |
| Population | 4,104 inhabitants (2024) | |
| Density | 139.79 inhabitants/km² | |
| Demonym | camponarayense | |
| Postal code | 24410 | |
| Dialling code | 987 | |
| Website | www.camponaraya.es | |