Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo: Industrial Heritage and Mining History

Since the 19th century, the development of Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo, as well as changes to its landscape and social life, have been connected with coal mining and the railway.

History

The Antiguo Cerco Industrial of Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the category “Site of Industrial Interest” (Lugar de Interés Industrial). Thirteen chimneys still stand in the Cerco Industrial. The Cerco Industrial is associated with lead and coal extraction and is considered one of the finest examples of Andalusia’s 19th- and 20th-century mining industry. The preserved and reconstructed structures link extraction technology, the engine room and the distinctive chimneys within the industrial heritage site.

At the base of the preserved main shaft headframe are a viewpoint and a restored engine room; a wooden headframe has also been reconstructed. A tour of the industrial heritage includes the Barrio Francés and the Almacén Central.

The Barrio Francés formerly consisted of houses for S.M.M.P. directors. Many of the current façades in the Barrio Francés have retained their original style.

Culture

The Iglesia de Santa Bárbara has a higher central nave with a barrel vault and two lower side aisles. The Iglesia de Santa Bárbara also has an 18th-century altarpiece that comes from the Sagrario church of the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba.

La Yutera was designed by Eiffel. La Yutera is home to the Museo Geológico-Minero. The Museo Geológico-Minero presents the town’s geological history, as well as a wide variety of rocks and minerals and the tools used to extract them. Every year, the Museo Geológico-Minero offers an extensive programme of lectures, educational workshops, guided tours and geological excursions. During museum visits, visitors can see original Swiss machines from the Daverio company. The collection therefore includes both natural materials and the tools used to extract them, as well as original Swiss technology.

Other places

You can access other destination pages here: Iznajar, El Villar, Dos Torres, Huertas Bajas de Cabra, Nueva Carteya, El Tarajal, Almodóvar Del Río and Benamejí.

Nature

The Vía Verde connects the Barrio Francés with the town centre of Pueblonuevo and passes significant elements of the industrial heritage. The linear route from Peñarroya to Valsequillo starts at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, is 14.90 kilometres long, is classified as easy and is suitable for cycling. The route therefore connects the town centre, the landscape and the visible traces of mining.

The “Ruta Geodiversidad de Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo y Belmez” introduces visitors to the region’s landscapes, flora and fauna, as well as its geology, mineralogy, fossils and mining heritage. The climb to the Peñón offers expansive views of the Guadiato Valley and Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo.

A permit from the Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo Town Hall is required to access the Abrigo de la Virgen. The schematic paintings in the Abrigo de la Virgen can be viewed.

To the main travel overview: Cordoba.