Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Museum · Ponferrada, Castela e Leão
Museo del Bierzo
Museum of the history of Bierzo in the palácio dos Condes de Toreno, from the 16th century, a former town hall and jail, next to the torre do relógio.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Museo del Bierzo
The Museo do Bierzo occupies the palácio dos Condes de Toreno, built between 1565 and 1572 on rua do Relógio, in the centro antigo. The building served as the town hall in the time of Philip II, as the corregidor's house and, later, as the village jail. Restored, it opened as a museum in 1997.
The collection tells the history of the comarca, from prehistory to modern times. There are finds from the pre-Roman castros, Roman-era items linked to the gold mining at the Médulas—such as inscriptions and everyday objects—coins, and medieval and modern art. One of the rooms preserves the cells of the old jail.
The inner stone courtyard with galleries is part of the visit, and the upper rooms overlook rua do Relógio.
Next door is the torre do relógio, from the 16th century, one of the old gates in the town wall, with an arch through which the street passes and the clock above. It is one of Ponferrada's symbols and a passage on the Camino de Santiago.
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
45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
During the hottest hours of the day or on rainy days. Check opening days and hours before you go.
How to get there
It is on rua do Relógio, in the centro antigo, about a 5-minute walk from the castelo and the basílica da Encina.
Tip
Visit the museum before going to the Médulas: the Roman pieces help you understand the gold mining you'll see in the landscape.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo del Bierzo
Where is the Museu do Bierzo?
In the palácio dos Condes de Toreno, from the 16th century, on the rua do Relógio, in the old center of Ponferrada.
What to see at the Museu do Bierzo?
Pre-Roman and Roman finds related to the mining of Médulas, coins, medieval art and the cells of the old jail.
What is the clock tower of Ponferrada?
One of the old gates of the wall, from the 16th century, with the clock at the top and an arch through which the street passes, next to the Museu do Bierzo.