In Las Herrerías, traces of the Camino de Santiago meet a history of bridge building and metalworking. The Puente Romano crosses the Valcarce and was partially reconstructed in the 15th century. The Camino de Santiago reaches the village shortly after Ruitelán and continues from there toward O Cebreiro before the strenuous climb.
Bridge, Church and Blacksmithing History
The Puente Romano connects the two banks of the Valcarce; its partial reconstruction in the 15th century gives the structure a historical connection. The name refers to the bridge, while the recorded building history concerns its reconstruction. Alongside the village’s other traces, it represents a history that spans more than a single period.
The Church of San Julián stands on a hill south of the village center. It dates from the 18th century and belongs to the Baroque-Neoclassical style. Its furnishings include a 16th-century figure of Christ. The architecture and artwork thus point to different periods: the church itself is newer than the object it houses.
The village’s name also tells of work carried out in the past: Las Herrerías refers to four former smithies where iron and other metals from the surrounding mountains were processed. A restored old smithy displays the tools typical of this craft and the former workplace. Together, the name and tools offer a concrete insight into local metalworking without suggesting that the smithies are still in operation today.
A complex of buildings called “La Herrería” also stands on the Valcarce. The mill at La Herrería retains all its machinery and is still used for the estate. Las Herrerías thus brings together different aspects of local history: former metalworking and a mill whose machinery has been preserved and still serves a purpose.
The Camino de Santiago and Historic Sites
The history of the pilgrimage route is also reflected in an older local account: in 1178, Las Herrerías was home to a hospital belonging to the Church of Compostela, known as the Hospital of the English. The Camino de Santiago passes through the village before the strenuous climb toward O Cebreiro. For travelers on this route, Las Herrerías is therefore a named historic place before the next demanding stretch.
Castro de Peredo is located in Barrio del Hospital. The Roman-origin site has visible ditches and wall remains. In addition to its links to the pilgrimage route and traditional crafts, the area offers an archaeological glimpse into an earlier period. The visible remains differ clearly from the preserved tools in the smithy: here, the focus is on ditches and walls, while there it is on traces of a traditional trade.
Circular Route and Picnic Area
Those wishing to plan a hike alongside visits to the historic sites can take the “Entre Fuentes y Muiños” circular route. It starts in Barrio del Hospital and has a short option of 11.4 kilometers and a long option of 16 kilometers. The 4.6-kilometer difference can help you weigh up the length of the planned loop. The route passes through several river valleys, whose streams feed the Valcarce.
You can compare the two options using their stated distances. Both are part of the same circular route, which starts in Barrio del Hospital; the longer option is 4.6 kilometers longer.
At the edge of the village, near the Fuente de Don Suero, there is a shaded picnic area with a table, benches and a barbecue. Briefly check the condition of the facilities before your visit. Together with the routes described, the picnic area offers another point of reference for planning your day; whether you plan a loop or follow the Camino de Santiago is up to your own itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Bembibre, Boca De Huérgano, Soto de Valdeón, San Cristóbal De Valdueza, Santa Marina De Somoza, Las Murias, Arlanza, Castrocontrigo.
For the broader travel overview: León.
