Santo Tomas de las Ollas

[VNwalking]

Our virtual Olvidado thread has been talking about this remarkable tenth C church, and how to get there. But it turns out it is a mere 1.4km from the Albergue San Nicolas de Flue in Ponferrada, well within the range of an average peregrino as a side trip:

SANTO TOMAS DE LAS OLLAS - Turismo Prerrománico

Susprising monument offerred by the Spanish Pre Romanesque Art, difficult to classify and date.

www.turismo-prerromanico.com

So if you plan to spend the night in Ponferrada, it's worth checking it out! I've been through there three times and had no idea. Next time!

 

[peregrina2000]

Way back when we were doing the virtual Olvidado thread, I had written to the Ponferrada tourism office asking about visiting the church. They have just responded with the name and number to call.

Manuela, 606 13 52 11

She lives nearby and has the keys and is apparently very eager to show the church to pilgrims.

 

[VNwalking]

Is this mentoned in Brierley's Frances guide - can someone please check? If it isn't, it shoud be.

 

[mspath]

Way back when we were doing the virtual Olvidado thread, I had written to the Ponferrada tourism office asking about visiting the church. They have just responded with the name and number to call.

Manuela, 606 13 52 11

She lives nearby and has the keys and is apparently very eager to show the church to pilgrims.

That is good news for future visitors.
The neighborhood surrounding the church has many new buildings. Nearby is a good simple popular resto La Fragata at Calle Medio, 102.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

I was thinking of ponferrada today and wondered how many visited this gem. When I walked, this beautiful little church was the main reason I was in ponferrada (Templar castle was second). My guide (Confraternity of St James) told me to knock on house number 7 with the balcony; it took me a while to work up nerve to knock on a Sunday, but I wanted to see the church. I kept loitering and looking at my watch, looking longingly at the church then hopefully toward number 7 willing someone to walk out. I guess she saw me and took pity and walked out to ask if I wanted to see the church. The lady was wonderful, showed me the church and when I asked if it was still an active church, it was and I was invited back for Mass, where the priest spoke realllyyy slowly during the homily I’m sure because he was told the small perigrina barely speaks any Spanish.

 

[VNwalking]

The lady was wonderful, showed me the church and when I asked if it was still an active church, it was and I was invited back for Mass, where the priest spoke realllyyy slowly during the homily I’m sure because he was told the small perigrina barely speaks any Spanish

So touching, SS.
Just a little way off the beaten path, there are marvels. I'm do glad this happened for you, and thank you for sharing this wonderful story.