Aljustrel tem uma mina – Municipio de Aljustrel

Situated in the heart of Alentejo Region, in southern Portugal, the Municipality Aljustrel has a 458 Km2 surface, with 9257 inhabitants, administratively divided into four parishes: Aljustrel e Rio de Moinhos, Ervidel, Messejana e São João de Negrilhos.

Aljustrel is a relatively large territory in area, but huge in natural and cultural diversity. Walking or cycling throughout this region is the best way to discover the beauty of rural landscapes and the intense history of cities and villages.

The hydrological-environmental rehabilitation of deactivated mining areas, carried out through projects developed directly by the Municipality or by other public entities, works that began at the beginning of the 20th century and are still ongoing today, strongly supported by funds from the European Union, along with a resumption of mining activity that is today more responsible from an environmental and social point of view, has currently made it possible to mitigate the profound impacts left by the old mine.

The preserved geological exceptionality of Aljustrel and the multiple relationships established at an environmental level with an important historical-archaeological heritage, 5 thousand years old, allow, today, to look at “the mine” from a perspective that values its cultural, tourist, scientific and pedagogical and environment potential.

The Aljustrel Mining Park, promoted by the municipality, opened to the public in 2023, includes pedestrian and cycling routes, in addition to playing an important role in preserving the environmental heritage, history and identity of Aljustrel, is today a recreational/tourist attraction of reference to national and international level. It has leisure, educational and research objectives, at the same time as it contributes to minimizing the effects of environmental and social degradation, with very positive impacts on boosting the local economy, and, for this reason, Aljustrel Mining Park was recognized, in 2024, as a sustainable development project at national level by the ODS platform.

Today, in Aljustrel, it is possible for mining activity, which employs more than 1300 people, to coexist and cooperate with industrial tourism, bringing to Aljustrel thousands of visitors who enrich an already rich and unique history. Today, mining areas that were deeply contaminated and unhealthy in the recent past have been returned to the population of Aljustrel and the many tourists who visit us.

THE MINING ROUTE “ALJUSTREL TEM UMA MINA”

“Aljustrel tem uma mina” is the largest urban mining route in Portugal, offering 12 km of walks for hiking enthusiasts. This route provides the opportunity to visit and uncover the secrets and riches of the mining town of Aljustrel in Alentejo, an ancient and important mining center with deep roots dating back to Roman times.

Known then as Vipasca, Aljustrel was one of the main mining hubs of the Roman Empire. Later, under Islamic rule, it took on the name Al-lustre, an evocative title reflecting the brightness of the minerals that surfaced, such as pyrites. The mining history of Aljustrel is long and rich, and today the village continues to coexist with the mining industry, which has shaped its identity and economy over the centuries.

The route traverses the mining complex, urban space, and rural landscape, allowing visitors to explore Aljustrel on foot and pass by the main points of interest in the town. Among the most representative sites are the historic center, the mining park, and the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Castle, characterized by a grand staircase that starts from the street and ends at the courtyard of the chapel, offering a genuine viewpoint with a panoramic view over the municipality and surrounding areas.

The route provides an overview of Aljustrel’s mining past and natural beauty. Starting from the old primary school, hikers cross the village, passing by historical machinery, mining hoists, and neighborhoods that bear witness to the miners’ lives. Visitors can admire vast and picturesque landscapes dotted with remnants of ancient mining operations and abandoned train stations. The trail culminates in a climb to the Church Nossa Senhora do Castelo, from which breathtaking views of the surroundings and the vestiges of the industrial past can be enjoyed.

“Aljustrel tem uma mina” is considered the most sustainable way to get to know the town, inviting hiking enthusiasts to explore Aljustrel in its entirety and to unveil, step by step, its secrets and riches.