Mining history of the Priorat
Welcome to the bowels of the earth, where the mining history of Priorat finds its true essence. Bellmunt del Priorat, in the heart of a thriving mining area, reveals the fascinating remains of a time when mining shaped the landscape and way of life.
Industrial remains and mining landscapes
Traces of this industrial history persist through the land planted on a large part of the municipal territory. The remains and mining landscapes are silent witnesses of the mining activity that once animated the region.
Eugenia Mine: Vital Core of Mining Operations
The Eugenia mine is the lifeblood of mining operations in the Priorat basin. With its 14 kilometres of underground galleries down to 620 metres deep, it takes visitors on a journey back in time, revealing the hard work of miners and the emergence of a unique culture.
The mysterious world of miners
Explore the mysterious world of miners, where lead, a soft, dense metal, has been widely used for its corrosion resistance. Discover its use in water pipes, car batteries and even as a protective material in nuclear reactors.
The mining colonies of Bellmunt del Priorat
Around 1920, the company Minas del Priorato built the first mining colony, welcoming workers from other mining regions of the state, mainly from Andalusia. The expansion of mining activities led to the construction of new settlements until the 1960s, making Bellmunt del Priorat an important mining centre with dedicated infrastructure.
The House of Mines: Majestic Witness
Bellmunt is home to the famous colony, with the Casa de las Minas, a majestic modernist building from 1905. This building was used as a residence for the management, housing the offices and the laboratory of the company. It was much more than a workplace, it was a way of life forged in the mineral.
End of an industrial era
The mining and metallurgical complex of the Eugenia mine was an active witness of history until 1972, marking the end of an industrial era. Explore this historic site, where the echoes of miners’ hard work still resonate today.
Guided tour: Window on the past
The guided tour of the Eugenia mine opens a window on the past, allowing to explore 700 meters from the first floor, 35 meters deep. Dive into the darkness, feel the atmosphere steeped in history and imagine the underground life of the miners who shaped this unique mining community.
