Video Stage 24: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo | Camino Frances with Jhonatan Barrios
Video Stage 24: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo | Camino de Santiago Frances with Jhonatan Barrios
Jhonatan Barrios shares his experience walking Stage 24 of the Camino de Santiago, running from Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo, a 25-kilometre stretch he walked between 26 April and 26 May 2022.
In the video, Jhonatan describes his adventure on Stage 24 towards Villafranca del Bierzo, where he discovered villages steeped in history and tested his endurance under a scorching sun that stayed with them the whole way. On reaching Villafranca del Bierzo, a town with a rich history on the Camino de Santiago Frances, he and his group stayed at a hostel, where they met the friendly owners who gave them a warm welcome. It was an unforgettable experience, full of moments to remember. Without a doubt, a stage well worth it!
Stage 24: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo with Jhonatan Barrios
Jhonatan Barrios’s Adventure on Stage 24 of the Camino Frances
The Camino de Santiago Frances is a spiritual and cultural journey that has drawn pilgrims from all over the world for centuries. This time, Jhonatan Barrios takes us through Stage 24 of the Camino Frances, from Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo, a day that blends history, nature and moments of personal reflection. This 25-kilometre stretch offers a rich variety of experiences, from encountering ancient remains to the calm of the vineyards and the striking arrival in Villafranca del Bierzo.
Setting Out from Ponferrada: A Start Steeped in History
Ponferrada: The Historic Heart of El Bierzo
Jhonatan’s day begins in Ponferrada, a city stirring under a cloudy sky, though with the promise of sunshine later on. Ponferrada, with its iconic Templar castle, is a place where history can be felt at every turn. This castle, one of the most important medieval fortifications in the region, is a reminder of the rich Templar heritage that once protected pilgrims on their way to Santiago. Jhonatan bids farewell to this imposing monument, steeped in history and energy, before setting off.
The Path Flows Alongside the River: A Late Start
Shortly after 8 in the morning, Jhonatan begins his walk. Although it’s a little late by pilgrim standards, who usually set off before dawn, his stored-up energy lets him enjoy the early part of the walk. The path winds alongside the river, adding a touch of stillness and freshness to the journey. Nature wakes up around him as he moves forward, a reminder of the connection between the route and the natural elements that surround it.
Through Villages with an Ancient Soul
Cacabelos: A Journey to the Past
Jhonatan’s route takes him through several villages, each with its own history and charm. One of the standouts is Cacabelos, a town with roots going back to the Palaeolithic era. This village is not only rich in history, but has also witnessed major changes over the centuries. From cultural remains of the Bronze Age and Second Iron Age to its role in the Middle Ages, Cacabelos is a place that invites reflection on the passage of time and the continuity of life.
The Church of Santa María in Cacabelos, built in the 12th century, is one of the main points of interest in Cacabelos. This church is a perfect example of the Romanesque art found in many of the churches along the Camino. For Jhonatan, passing through here is not only a visual experience, but also a chance to connect with the faith and history of those who walked this way before him.
A Meeting with Nature: Cherry Trees and Vineyards
As the sun begins to warm the day, Jhonatan finds himself in Valle de Arriba. The heat becomes intense, but a pleasant surprise awaits him. Seeking shelter under a leafy tree, he discovers it’s a cherry tree laden with ripe fruit. The cherries, sweet and refreshing, are an unexpected gift that revives him. This moment of connection with nature highlights one of the most beautiful aspects of the Camino: the small surprises the route offers pilgrims, making every step feel rewarded.
Further along, instead of sticking to the road, Jhonatan decides to head off into the countryside to enjoy the vineyards. The rows of neatly planted vines create a pastoral landscape that contrasts with the physical effort of the walk. Even so, these final kilometres are especially hard and tiring, a reminder that the Camino is as much a spiritual challenge as it is a physical one.
Arriving in Villafranca del Bierzo: A Meaningful End
Villafranca del Bierzo: The Little Compostela
Finally, Jhonatan reaches Villafranca del Bierzo, a city with a deep connection to the Camino de Santiago. Founded in the 12th century, Villafranca is known as “the little Compostela” thanks to its large number of historic buildings tied to the Jacobean route. The city has been an important hub for pilgrims for centuries, and its Galician influence is unmistakable, as it’s the only town in León province where Galician is spoken.
The Church of Santiago: A Spiritual Refuge
Among Villafranca’s many historic buildings, the Church of Santiago stands out, built in the late 12th century. This Romanesque church is unique in that it allows pilgrims to earn the Jubilee grace, a special indulgence that, in Holy Years, lets those who cannot continue on to Santiago de Compostela due to illness or injury receive forgiveness and complete their spiritual pilgrimage. Passing through this church, Jhonatan reflects on the importance of faith and the power of forgiveness, central elements of the Camino experience.
A Well-Earned Rest in Villafranca
After a long, demanding day, Jhonatan finally reaches the Albergue de la Piedra in Villafranca del Bierzo. Here, he drops off his backpack and gets ready for a well-earned rest. Before settling in, he decides to explore a bit more of the town. He strolls through the Plaza Mayor, enjoys a comforting meal, and relaxes by the Río Burbia, where the crystal-clear water offers refreshing relief for his tired feet.
Villafranca also gives him the chance to visit other sights of interest, such as the castle or the Palacio de los Marqueses de Villafranca, built in the 16th century, and the San Nicolás building, founded in the 17th century. The latter was established by Don Gabriel de Robles, who left funds in his will to build a Jesuit college for the education of children and the study of theology. Villafranca’s historical and spiritual richness leaves a lasting impression on Jhonatan, who feels more connected than ever to the legacy of the Camino.
Final Thoughts on Stage 24 of the Camino de Santiago Frances
A Journey of Transformation
Jhonatan’s experience on this stage of the Camino Frances reflects the duality that characterises life itself: moments of effort and sacrifice intertwined with instances of beauty and personal fulfilment. Every step he took from Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo is a metaphor for the inner journey that all pilgrims, and in a broader sense all people, undertake throughout their lives.
The Community of the Camino Frances
Another important aspect Jhonatan values is the sense of community that develops along the Camino. Although he often walked alone, he was always surrounded by other pilgrims, each with their own stories and reasons for being there. The Camino brings together people from different cultures, religions and countries, creating a global network of solidarity and support. This sense of community is something Jhonatan carries with him beyond the Camino, a reminder that we are never alone on our personal journey.
The Importance of Your Own Pace
Finally, Jhonatan learns the importance of respecting his own pace. Although the day started a little late, he decided to press on without rushing, enjoying every moment and every view the Camino offered him. This lesson applies to many aspects of modern life, where the pressure to reach goals quickly can make us lose sight of the beauty of the path we’re on.
Preparing for the Next Stage: Beyond Villafranca
With Stage 24 behind him, Jhonatan prepares himself mentally and physically for what lies ahead. Although rest in Villafranca is both necessary and well-deserved, his spirit of adventure remains intact, and he is already thinking about the stages to come. The Camino de Santiago is an experience that never really ends; even after reaching Santiago, the essence of the Camino stays with those who have walked it.
At dawn the next day, Jhonatan will be ready to continue his journey. Stage 25 (Video Stage 25: Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro with Jhonatan Barrios) awaits him, bringing with it new scenery, new challenges and new opportunities for personal growth. Every day on the Camino is a blank page, ready to be written with unique, unrepeatable experiences. And so, with every step, Jhonatan draws a little closer to his final destination, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the city of Santiago de Compostela, and to discovering himself.
