The landmarks of an industrial past

A Mariña Lucense’s landmarks are many and varied. Coupled with an extensive ecclesiastical and civil heritage is a significant industrial heritage, featuring not only the old natural fish farms, salting factories, weaving mills or electricity plants but also the Sargadelos earthenware factories and elements linked to the extraction, processing and transportation of iron, whose abundance in the area gave rise to Galicia’s two largest iron mines.

Of the A Silvarosa mines in Viveiro (1899-1969) the remains of the old A Insua loading bay have been restored. Remains of the chutes and the overhead tramway which was connected to the mine 5 km away. have also been preserved. For its part, in 1900 and in the River Eo basin, the Villaodrid Mining Company began to extract iron in two separate groups of mines: Vilaoudriz and Boulloso, each with their own set of calcining kilns. They closed down for good in 1966, but today a kiln from Boulloso and five from Vilaoudriz, in the centre of A Pontenova, have been restored and can be visited. Along with the mineral deposits and chutes, they are a testimony to its outstanding mining past. There are different options for visitors to learn more about this particular heritage. With the name “Zip line of the mines”, the Historical and recreational complex of the Consuelo and Boulloso mines provides guided visits to Consuelo mine and the adrenaline rush of a ride on a 300-metre-long zip-wire. (+info: 633 248 835). There is also a series of related itineraries, including the Railway route (Green Way). (+ info: 982 342 101)

In the past, on the banks of the rivers Reigadas and Ferreiravella, blacksmiths’ forges, hammers and millstones proliferated. The Ruta “do Ferro” (Iron Route) is an 8 km trail which begins in As Rodrigas, the capital of Riotorto – shortened by starting in O Mazo – and gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the heritage associated with iron processing, including the restored hammer of Fraga de Ferreiravella (visits: 982 161 677). You can also visit forges in the boroughs of Riotorto and A Pontenova and benefit from the first-hand knowledge of their “ferreiros” (blacksmiths) who keep the old, local tradition alive by hammering sickles and knives into shape (consult Craftsmen’s Routes).

In the final decades of the 19th Century and early 20th Century, we must mention the valuable legacy left by the “indianos” (emigrants who returned from the Americas having made their fortunres), from their grand, elegant houses to the different economic and sociocultural enterprises. In the boroughs of Ribadeo, Barreiros, Viveiro and Ourol visitors will see numerous examples of this heritage – also scattered throughout the destination –, a reflection of the significant emigratory flow that affected the area. In Ourol, the Indian Route takes visitors on a tour of this unique heritage.