Las Médulas, Nature reserve and former gold mine in León, Spain.
The red clay mountains of Las Médulas feature eroded peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests of chestnut trees across the landscape.
Romans developed the ruina montium mining technique in the first century, using water channels to erode mountains and extract gold deposits.
The area contains archaeological remains, galleries, and tunnels that demonstrate the advanced engineering capabilities of Roman mining operations.
Visitors can access multiple hiking trails, observation points, and an interpretation center that explains the mining processes through exhibits.
The mining activities transformed natural mountains into red-colored formations with caves, creating a distinct geological pattern visible today.
Location: Borrenes
Location: Carucedo
Website: https://patrimonionatural.org/espacios-naturales/monumento-natural/monumento-natural-las-medulas
GPS coordinates: 42.45870,-6.75900
Latest update: May 28, 2025 17:57
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Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol
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Church of San Miguel
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Delimitación de entorno de Las Médulas
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