At the Porma River, the pilgrim route, the history of the bridge and sacred art come together in Villarente. The Way of St. James crosses the river at Puente Villarente via a stone bridge; the town’s history is also linked to a pilgrims’ hostel founded here in 1539. If you are looking for a specific theme to focus on when choosing your stay, Villarente’s history of pilgrimage routes, historic buildings and religious art take centre stage.
Bridges and routes along the Porma
Puente Villarente is a Roman bridge over the Porma River. It originally had twenty arches; after a flood in the 14th century, it lost several piers. These two details tell different chapters of its construction history: its original form and the changes caused by the flood. The Way of St. James also crosses the Porma at Puente Villarente via a stone bridge.
There is also a footbridge for pilgrims at Puente Villarente, allowing them to avoid road traffic. It provides access to the river and panoramic views of the bridge. The path that includes the footbridge descends through woodland in the river floodplain to the water. The route therefore brings together two aspects: crossing the river on the Way of St. James and a footpath leading down to the bank.
The pilgrims’ hostel and its changing use
In 1539, the Prior of Triacastela founded the Hospital de Villarente, a pilgrims’ hostel beside the bridge. Historically, it stood at the junction of the Camino Francés and the Ruta Vadiniense – Picos de Europa. Its location ties the hostel to the history of two named pilgrimage routes and makes it an important point of reference for understanding the town.
La Casona is now a restaurant housed in the former premises of the hostel. The building has a Renaissance courtyard with columns from Lancia. Its former use as a hostel and its current use as a restaurant belong to different chapters in the town’s history. If you are planning to dine there, check in advance that it is currently open, as details may change.
Religious art and other traces of the past
The parish church of San Pelayo in Villarente houses a 16th-century statue of its patron saint. It is in the Castilian style and also shows some Flemish influence. The work thus brings together two art-historical influences without being reduced to a single style.
The Museo de León also preserves a piece from Villarente’s past: a 15th-century panel depicting the martyrdom of Saint Pelayo. It comes from an altarpiece in Villarente’s now-vanished church. The archaeological site of Lancia is in the municipality of Villasabariego. A road connects Puente Villarente with Villasabariego. If you are planning a visit, check the current access conditions.
Practical information for walkers
There are two rest areas for walkers, one before and one after passing through Villarente. Toilets, barbecue areas, benches and tables are located on the banks of the Porma. As the condition of such facilities can change, check on site whether they are currently usable. These rest stops add practical information to the history of the routes, without implying anything about opening hours or other services.
Villarente offers a clear focus for a trip that takes in pilgrimage routes, bridge-building and religious art. The stone river crossing, the historic hostel and the artworks preserved from the past offer different ways to explore the town.
Discover more destinations: Reliegos, Balouta, Bembibre, Villablino, Valderrueda, San MartĂn de la Tercia, Cofiñal, Chana de Somoza
For the broader travel overview: LeĂłn.
