Villafranca del Bierzo Municipal Pilgrim Hostel

The Villafranca del Bierzo Municipal Pilgrim Hostel is a special, public place reserved exclusively for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago who hold their credential. This hostel is owned by the town council and sits in a town of great importance to Jacobean pilgrims, known as Villafranca del Bierzo, in Leon Province. It is a typical stopping point for many pilgrims before tackling the challenging climb to O Cebreiro, known both for its toughness and its beautiful views.

This hostel opened in 2001 and is very conveniently located, right on the way into Villafranca. It sits to the right of the route followed by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago Frances. It also stands next to the Iglesia de Santiago, a place of great significance for pilgrims. This church is especially important because pilgrims who fall ill and cannot continue their journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the city of Santiago de Compostela can still gain the jubilee there.

During the summer months, the hostel expands further to accommodate a larger number of pilgrims. At the Divina Pastora school in Villafranca del Bierzo, extra mattresses are set up, allowing more than 100 pilgrims to be housed. This is especially useful, since the Camino de Santiago sees a large number of walkers during that time of year.

The hostel also issues credentials, important documents for those walking the Camino. These credentials are needed to obtain The Compostela, which is given to pilgrims upon reaching Santiago de Compostela and certifies that they have completed their pilgrimage.

Price at the Villafranca del Bierzo Municipal Pilgrim Hostel

Price: €10 (Disposable paper sheet included)

Opening Hours at the Villafranca del Bierzo Municipal Hostel

Hours: 12:00 to 22:00.

Can you leave and come back after closing: No.

Open: From March to November.

Features of the Villafranca del Bierzo Pilgrim Hostel

Hostel owner: Villafranca del Bierzo Town Council.

Person in charge of the hostel: Hospitaleros hired by the Town Council.

Total beds: 60.

Same-day bookings accepted.

A pilgrim credential is required.

Extra services:

- Camping and caravans: Can use the hostel’s facilities, €6.
- Shower use only: Yes, €3.
- Credentials for sale.

Address and Contact for the Villafranca del Bierzo Municipal Hostel

Address: Calle Campo de la Gallina, s/n. – Villafranca del Bierzo – Leon Province

Phone: (+34) 987 542 356 / (+34) 987 540 089

Email: info@villafrancadelbierzo.org