Information about Rionegro del Puente
Rionegro del Puente has just over 200 inhabitants and is located between three important natural environments such as the Sierra de la Culebra, Lake Sanabria and the Sierra de la Cabrera Baja, so this town enjoys an excellent natural environment. natural heritage of the most interesting of the Camino Sanabrés.
It owes its name to the legend that says that the Virgin Mary appeared to the pilgrims to help them cross the Black River, when the bridge did not yet exist. The virgin told them to spread cloaks over the river, and on them they crossed over without fear.
What to see and do in Rionegro del Puente
Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Carballeda
Ruling the village from its 20 meters high, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Carballeda is built on ashlar pillars and has witnessed several reforms to reach in the eighteenth century to the composition we know today. Inside there is a main altarpiece with a carving of the Virgin Mary.
Pilgrims’ Hospital of Rionegro
It was once one of the most notable pilgrims’ hospices on the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, run by the devoted faithful of the brotherhood of the Falifos, whose history is closely linked to the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Carballeda. At the beginning of the 20th century it lost its status as a pilgrims’ hospital, although today it has been restored and is once again fulfilling its traditional function.
Natural heritage of Rionegro del Puente
Immersed and dotted by the flora and fauna of different natural environments such as the Sierra de la Culebra, the Sierra de la Cabrera Baja and the natural park of Lake Sanabria, this village shows a unique natural environment with various identifying points of each environment. In addition, the same village is crossed by the river Negro, a tributary of the river Tera, which gives a touch more to this natural set.
Pilgrimage of the Carballeda
Undoubtedly the best time of the year to visit this town is during the third weekend of September, since it celebrateslaromería in honor to the virgin of the Carballeda. Here is celebrated a huge fair where you can see recreational activities, modern music concerts and you can taste the local gastronomy, being one of the first villages of the Camino Sanabrés where you can taste the “pulpo a feira” (octopus).
