Villafranca del Bierzo

Villafranca del Bierzo got its name ('French town') after its French inhabitants, some of whom were monks from the Order of Cluny. At one point, there were eight monasteries and six hostals looking after pilgrims. Pilgrims who fell ill on the way and could not complete their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela could receive forgiveness if they walked through the Puerta del Perdón ('Door of Pardon') of the Iglesia de Santiago.