The Camino Natural de la Ruta de la Conquista ends in Congosto at the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Peña, which serves as a viewpoint at the end of the route. Its final section passes the Fuente de Santa Olaya spring and enters the town centre. Sections of the Camino share their route with the local Ruta Zofreral. The two trail names remain distinct, even where their routes overlap in places.

Hiking and Forest in Cobrana

The Zofreral de Cobrana is located in Cobrana, within the municipality of Congosto, and consists mainly of cork oaks, holm oaks and chestnut trees. The Zofreral de Cobrana association was founded in Cobrana in 2008. It aims to protect the forest and promote educational and cultural activities.

Activities in the Zofreral include botanical trails and the Senda Encantada. This theatrical activity combines recreation with environmental education and is aimed at both children and adults. The two offerings differ in their format: botanical trails on the one hand, and a theatrical activity with an environmental education focus on the other. Check seasonal performances against your travel dates before your trip.

Sacred History and the Romería

The Santuario de la Virgen de la Peña stands on Monte Turcia above a gorge and offers far-reaching views across El Bierzo. It originated as a small 13th-century hermitage located on the Viejo Camino de Santiago. This route is also known as the Camino de la Montaña or Camino Olvidado.

The Camino Olvidado runs along the southern part of the Cantabrian Mountains, is considered one of the original pilgrimage routes to Compostela, and was used between the 9th and 12th centuries. The 13th-century hermitage and the pilgrimage route’s earlier history reflect different periods. The Santuario was reconstructed in 1957.

The Romería in honour of the Virgen de la Peña takes place in Congosto on the last Sunday in May. If the celebration is relevant to your trip, check the exact date before making plans.

Monastery History in San Miguel de las Dueñas

In San Miguel de las Dueñas, the Monasterio San Miguel de las Dueñas was founded in the 10th century as a Benedictine monastery under the name San Miguel de Almázcara. Its foundation therefore predates the small 13th-century hermitage from which the Santuario originated. The monastery includes a Romanesque doorway to the chapter house and a 17th-century church with a Baroque high altar. Renovations between the 16th and 18th centuries shaped its restrained Baroque style. The different building phases can thus be seen in the doorway, the church and the later renovations.

At the Embalse de Bárcena

Golf Bierzo is located in Congosto on the left bank of the Embalse de Bárcena. Congosto’s tourist attractions also include a Club Náutico on the Pantano de Bárcena.

Discover more destinations: Las Lamas, San Martín de la Tercia, El Ganso, Sosas de Laciana, Castrocontrigo, Igüeña, Berlanga Del Bierzo, Puente De Domingo Flórez.

Return to the main travel overview: León.