Las Médulas
The largest open-air gold mine of the Roman Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in El Bierzo.
Area: El Bierzo
Las Médulas are the remains of a gigantic Roman gold mining operation. The Romans brought mountains down using a system of canals and pressurised water, leaving a landscape of rust-red peaks, galleries and ancient chestnut groves. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
What to do
- Climb to the Orellán viewpoint for the full panorama, especially at sunset.
- Walk one of the marked trails among the chestnut trees.
- Visit the Archaeological Centre and the village of Las Médulas.
It is about 25 km from Ponferrada, the best base if you are staying in El Bierzo.