What to see and do in Molinaseca

Molinaseca is a municipality and village in the comarca of El Bierzo, in the province of León, with an intense medieval feel and declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1975, right on the French Way. Highlights include the Plaza de El Rollo with its traditional houses, the Pilgrim's Monument, the seven-arched medieval bridge over the Meruelo valley, and the curious twinning monolith linking it to Japan's Shikoku Henro trail.

Would you like to walk this part of the Camino with your accommodation booked for every stage? These organised trips pass through Molinaseca: French Way from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela.

The square of El Rollo

On a walk through the town it is interesting to pass through this square. It is asphalted and paved, surrounded by the typical traditional houses and located where the old audience was. Two beautiful wrought iron benches can be seen in this place, one at the beginning of the square and the other in front of it.

The monolith of twinning with Shikoku Henro

An interesting cultural trace is this monolith, which commemorates the twinning between the Jacobean Route and the Japanese path of the Shikoku Henro. It is made of granite, has a height of approximately 1.20 m and is a gift from the Japanese delegation of the island region of Shikoku to Molinaseca.

The Pilgrim Monument

The town has a close historical link with the French Way, so this monument is a faithful reflection of this circumstance. It is made of granite, was placed in its enclave in 1995 and is located in a beautiful small garden area with a triangular fountain. A tribute to every traveller who is in the place with the mission to reach Santiago de Compostela.

The Meruelo Valley

This valley is the natural entrance to the Jacobean route in El Bierzo. It has a visible V-shape and is especially deep between the towns of Riego de Ambrós and Molinaseca. The valley of the Meruelo opens up as you enter Molinaseca, running under the medieval bridge with seven arches.

The river Meruelo

To enjoy contact with nature and enjoy the scenic surroundings, there is nothing better than enjoying this river. It collects the waters of streams and brooks such as Valdecarrizo, La Viñuela or Santa Clara and up to its mouth in the river Boeza. Along its course it runs through a narrow valley, whose depth is more pronounced between the villages of Molinaseca and Riego de Ambrós.