Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rock

The Virgen de la Peña Sanctuary (Santuario Virgen de la Peña) is located in Congosto municipality (El Bierzo) of the province of León, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain.

It dates back to the 13th century, when a small hermitage was built. This temple was expanded, mainly due to the passage of the Camino de Santiago through this place at that time.

After a boom period, between the 14th and 18th centuries, even housing a convent, a time of decline came with the entry of the troops of Napoleon, and later, in 1936, it was destroyed by fire.

The town quickly showed interest in rebuilding the sanctuary, and it had taken place until 1957, when the German Honingman-Bayer family helped make the rebuilding a reality.

The observation deck of the monastery offers views of the Bárcena reservoir.

How to get to?

  • From León 1 hr 9 min (110 km) via AP-71 and A-6
  • From Valladolid 2 hr 21 min (231 km) via A-6
  • From Madrid 3 hr 46 min (384 km) via A-6

GPS coordinates: 42°37′04″N 6°31′12″O

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