Alquife mines, Open-pit iron mines in Marquesado region, Granada, Spain.
The Alquife mines are an open-pit iron extraction site in the Marquesado region that spreads across a large area and includes deep excavation, industrial facilities, and support structures. The site features loading platforms, railroad tracks, and buildings that made the mining operation function as a complete working system.
Mining in Alquife began in Roman times, with extraction methods developing from ancient techniques to modern industrial approaches. Centuries of continuous activity from the 10th century onward shaped the landscape that visitors see today.
The mining site displays industrial buildings, loading platforms, and railroad tracks that show how extraction methods changed over time. Walking through, you can observe how the infrastructure adapted to new technologies as mining evolved.
The site is located in a hilly region and is best explored on foot, though the paths are uneven and sometimes steep with little shade available. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring water, especially during warm weather, as rest areas are limited throughout the area.
Water from underground sources accumulates inside the pit and creates artificial lakes deep within the excavation, colored red by mineral deposits. These unexpected bodies of water form a striking contrast against the barren rocky landscape surrounding them.
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