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Church · Ponferrada, Castela e Leão
Basílica de la Virgen de la Encina
Renaissance and Baroque basilica from the 16th and 17th centuries, dedicated to the patroness of Bierzo, with a tall tower and the image of the Virgem da Azinheira in the sacristy.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Basílica de la Virgen de la Encina
The basílica da Virgen de la Encina, Virgem da Azinheira, is the main church of Ponferrada and the shrine of the patron saint of Bierzo. Tradition says the Templars found the image of the Virgin hidden in the trunk of an azinheira, where it had been kept centuries earlier to escape invasions, and that is where the name comes from.
There was a small medieval church on the site at the end of the 12th century. In 1573 construction of the current building began, continuing through the 16th and 17th centuries, with a tall Baroque tower from the late 17th century that defines the profile of the centro antigo.
Inside, the church has a Latin cross plan, a gilded wooden main altarpiece and, behind the altar, the Virgin's camarin, where the image is kept. The patron saint's festival in September is the city's biggest, with a procession and a fair.
The basílica is on the praça da Encina, a few steps from the castelo and the rua do Relógio, on the pilgrims' route through the centro antigo.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes.
Best time
During the day, outside Mass times. In September, the patron saint's festival fills the square.
How to get there
It is located in the praça da Encina, in the centro antigo, about a 3-minute walk from the castelo.
Tip
Combine it with the torre do relógio and the Museo do Bierzo, on the street next door: the trio is just a few steps away.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basílica de la Virgen de la Encina
Why is she called Virgen de la Encina?
According to tradition, the Templars found the image of the Virgin hidden in the trunk of a holm oak (encina in Spanish).
When is the patron saint festival of Bierzo?
In September, with a procession and fair in Ponferrada. Check the date each year.
Where is the basilica of la Encina?
On the Plaza de la Encina, in the old town, a few minutes' walk from the castle.