Free walking tours in Almadén and what to see

Must-sees

Almadén, in the south-west of the province of Ciudad Real, lived for centuries from the largest mercury mine in the world. That mining past has earned it World Heritage status, together with the Slovenian town of Idrija. The main visit is the Mining Park, which takes you down into the old galleries, through tunnels from different periods and back out on a mine train, an experience few mines offer.

The site also includes the Cerco de Buitrones, with the old furnaces where mercury was extracted, and a museum explaining the history of the mine. In town, the Royal Miners' Hospital of San Rafael is worth a visit, now a museum about the lives and health of the workers. The hexagonal bullring, with homes built into its structure, is also unusual.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Almadén. The normal way to see the mine is the guided visit to the Mining Park, done in groups with a guide and best booked ahead, especially at weekends and on public holidays. The miners' hospital can also be visited, and the tourist office will point you to the rest of the town's monuments, which you can see on your own.

How long to spend

The Mining Park visit alone takes about three hours, so to see it along with the hospital, the bullring and the town centre, allow a full day. With a weekend you can also visit neighbouring villages such as Almadenejos, which keeps remains of its own mining past.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to stay in the centre of Almadén, near the square and a short distance from the Mining Park, where there are simple hotels and small places to stay. Choice is limited, so book ahead. If you cannot find a room, Puertollano and Ciudad Real have more options, although they are over an hour's drive away.