On September 16, 2024, during the General Assembly of the MINES.B Federation, the Municipality of Aljustrel was officially approved as a new partner of the European Mining Route of Santa Barbara. This new addition further enriches the network of European mining routes promoted by our Federation, thanks to the inclusion of a unique mining trail.
The Portuguese partner contributes with a 12 km urban mining route called “Aljustrel tem uma mina”. This trail offers the opportunity to discover the mining heritage of the town of Aljustrel, an ancient and important mining center dating back to the Roman Empire. The route crosses the historic center, the mining complex, and the beautiful rural landscape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and natural beauty of this remarkable place.
One of the highlights of the trail is the chance to visit the Parque Mineiro de Aljustrel, which opened in 2023. This park is not only a major tourist attraction at both the national and international levels but also a prime example of sustainable development and environmental rehabilitation of former mining areas. In fact, the park was recognized in 2024 as a sustainable development project at the national level, significantly contributing to the local economy and preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
With the addition of the Municipality of Aljustrel, our Federation continues to grow, enriching its network with new routes that promote Europe’s mining heritage. We are increasingly proud to introduce these treasures to the world through sustainable modalities that respect the environment. Aljustrel tem uma mina now becomes part of our large family of European Mining Routes.
