Zalamea La Real: Dolmens, Mining and the Vía Sacra

Archaeology and Early History

In Zalamea La Real, the Dólmenes de El Pozuelo were designated in 2002 as an Asset of Cultural Interest (B.I.C.) in the category of an archaeological zone. The El Pozuelo complex comprises a total of eleven burial structures. These are generally dated to the period from 3000 to 2500 B.C. The Dólmenes de El Pozuelo are among the most significant megalithic archaeological complexes in Europe. The year 2002 refers to the designation of the complex; independently of this, the burial structures themselves are generally dated to the period from 3000 to 2500 B.C.

Los Aulagares has also been designated since 1994 as an Asset of Cultural Interest (B.I.C.) in the category of an archaeological zone. The Los Aulagares carvings are located on large, rounded rhyolite stones. They belong to schematic megalithic art. The rock engravings at Los Aulagares date from the period between 1800 and 1500 B.C. At Los Aulagares, the dating of the rock engravings distinguishes the chronological classification of the artworks from their later designation as an archaeological zone in 1994.

Landscape and Mining

Mina Chinflón offers views of steep slopes from a natural vantage point. The view also includes low, gently rounded landforms. Holm-oak dehesas, Mediterranean woodland and eucalyptus plantations can also be seen.

The circular route from Casa de Los Llanetes is 1,700 metres long. Mina de Chiflón is located next to the Los Llanetes group in the archaeological complex of the Dólmenes de El Pozuelo. Mina de Chiflón is described as Europe's oldest underground metallurgical mine.

Historic Routes

The Ruta del Ferrocarril Minero runs along the first railway line in Spain. This railway line was used exclusively to transport minerals. It operated from 1870 to 1969. When taking the Ruta del Ferrocarril Minero, registered participants set off from the Oficina de Turismo. The information about the railway refers to its historical use: throughout the entire operating period mentioned, it was used exclusively to transport minerals.

Zalamea la Real lies on the central axis of the N-435. This important transport link runs through the province of Huelva.

Other Places

You can access other places via these destinations: La Palma Del Condado, Cortelazor, Campofrío, Santa Olalla del Cala, Aroche, El Almendro, Puerto Moral and Lepe.

Sacred Places and Festivals

The Ermita de San Sebastián o de la Divina Pastora houses an image of the Divina Pastora. Sebastián Santos Rojas created this image.

The Ermita del Santo Sepulcro is the final station of the Vía Sacra. The Vía Sacra takes place every Good Friday and has existed since the mid-18th century. Its chronological reference therefore encompasses both its existence since the mid-18th century and the annual date on Good Friday.

The Romería in question has been celebrated since the late 1970s. It takes place on the second weekend of May.

To the main travel overview: Huelva.