Herrería de Compludo, Historical finery forge and museum in Compludo, Spain.
The Herrería de Compludo is a historic forge and museum set where two streams converge and a water wheel powers the metalworking machinery. The building contains original furnaces, anvils, and tools that demonstrate how metalworkers shaped iron using traditional methods in this location.
This forge originated in the 18th century and became an important production center for quality wrought iron in the region. The underlying techniques and building layout reflect older metalworking practices that had been passed down through medieval times.
The forge reflects how people in this region relied on water power to practice metalworking as a way of life for generations. You can see how the equipment and buildings work together to tell the story of a trade that shaped the local community.
The location sits near Ponferrada and is accessible by car with parking available near the building. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven in some areas and certain sections may have low ceilings.
The water wheel operates on the Venturi principle where the stream flow is channeled in a specific way to generate maximum power. This refined hydraulic solution was an innovative answer to the demands of metal production at the time.
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