Almadén, Mining heritage site in Ciudad Real, Spain
Almadén is a municipality in the gently rolling hills of Ciudad Real province, located at 589 meters above sea level. The town contains several historical structures, including a mining museum with underground tunnels and a former miners' hospital.
Mercury mining in Almadén began during Roman times and made the town the site of the world's largest mercury deposits. Operations continued until 2003 after centuries of continuous production.
The Real Hospital de Mineros de San Rafael shows how central the mining community was, providing medical care to generations of workers. The building and its spaces tell stories of hard work and community care that visitors can see today.
The mining museum is open throughout the year with guided tours available in multiple languages through the underground tunnels. Visitors should bring appropriate clothing for the constant temperatures underground.
The hexagonal Plaza de Toros contains residences within its structure, combining entertainment and housing in a single building. This unusual design allowed residents to live directly beside their entertainment venue.
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