The Museo del Bierzo occupies a restored historic building in the old quarter and covers the history, archaeology, and ethnography of the Bierzo valley from prehistoric times to the recent past. The collection is more engaging than the average provincial museum — the Roman section is particularly strong, reflecting the significant mining activity the Romans conducted in this area of northwestern Spain.
The displays on traditional Bierzo rural life — the slate-roofed farms, the wine-making equipment, the costumes — give context to the countryside you pass through around Ponferrada. Labels are primarily in Spanish, though some key exhibits have English summaries.