Las Médulas
The largest gold-mining site of ancient Rome, a landscape of red spires carved by hydraulic erosion, listed as a World Heritage Site
Las Médulas was the most important gold mine of the Roman Empire. The Romans used hydraulic mining, channelling water to wash away mountainsides in search of gold. This left behind red clay spires, tunnels and pits that form a striking landscape among chestnut woods, and the site was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1997. Start from the Orellana viewpoint for a panoramic overview, then walk the trails into the mining area and the Orellana Tunnel (admission about €3). It is about 130 km from León, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes by car, and is often combined with the Templar Castle of Ponferrada as a day trip.
Opening hours
All day (tunnel and visitor centre ~10:00–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Templar Castle of Ponferrada
- Astorga Cathedral
- Episcopal Palace of Astorga
- Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Road
- MUSAC
- Convent of San Marcos
- Museum of León
- Casa Botines