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Las Médulas

Las Médulas, Spain

About

In the 1st century A.D. the Roman Imperial authorities began to exploit the gold deposits of this region in north-west Spain, using a technique based on hydraulic power. After two centuries of working the deposits, the Romans withdrew, leaving a devastated landscape. Since there was no subsequent industrial activity, the dramatic traces of this remarkable ancient technology are visible everywhere as sheer faces in the mountainsides and the vast areas of tailings, now used for agriculture.

Supporting sources: Legacy import provenance, Wikipedia

Plan your visit

Hours

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun

The wider cultural landscape can be explored freely, while guided walks and visitor-reception services follow their own timetable.

Admission

Free

Booking

Booking recommended

Sources: hours · pricing

When to go

  • Time of day: Morning, Afternoon

Features & amenities

What to expect

  • Indoor + outdoor

What to bring

  • Water
  • comfortable shoes

Good to know

  • Partially accessible

Tags

Planning Santa Elena de Jamuz

The rest of my Santa Elena de Jamuz saves, on the city's planning pages.