Molinaseca

Molinaseca sits in the province of Leon on the banks of the river Meruelo, in the highlands of the El Bierzo region. It is the first proper town pilgrims reach in El Bierzo after the mountain crossing, and is a notably attractive village built in slate stone with steep narrow streets and traditional balconies. The Camino enters the town across a stone Romanesque bridge over the Meruelo, with the Santuario de las Angustias on the far bank welcoming pilgrims into town.

The town's name comes from molino seco, dry mill, referring to the old riverside mills that turned with the Meruelo's water. The Camino crosses the bridge and runs straight through the centre of the old town along the Calle Real, lined with stone houses, traditional balconies, and old hospital and pilgrim buildings. The Santuario de las Angustias is a Baroque chapel that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. The medieval church of San Nicolas de Bari sits in the heart of the village. El Bierzo is a notable wine region (the Mencia grape is the local variety) and Molinaseca is one of the gateway towns into the comarca.

Molinaseca has the full range of services pilgrims need. There are albergues including the municipal Albergue de Peregrinos San Roque and private albergues, hotels, casas rurales, restaurants, cafes, bars, supermarkets, a pharmacy, and ATMs. The town has bus connections to Ponferrada.