Mineral and Smuggling Route
Route: 10 km on the Mining and Smuggling Route, in Mértola, exploring the history of mining and smuggling.
History: Visit to ancient copper and iron mines, traces of Roman and Muslim exploration.
Smuggling: Historic sites used for smuggling due to proximity to the border.
Landscapes: Beautiful natural views that combine history, culture and the richness of Alentejo.
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Description
Price
-
Max Participants
-
Duration
6h
Insurance
Personal Accidents
Civil Liability
Minimum Number of Participants
Min 8P
Flavors
Portuguese, English, Spanish
The Mértola Mineral and Smuggling Route reflects the region’s rich and complex history, marked by mineral exploration and smuggling activities. During the Roman and Muslim occupations, the area was an important center for copper and iron mining, with several mines and underground galleries still visible along the route. The extracted mineral was essential to the economies of the time, and intensive mining shaped the local landscape.
Furthermore, due to its proximity to the border, Mértola was a strategic point for smuggling, especially during periods of trade restrictions. The route follows historical sites where smuggling flourished, taking advantage of the region's difficult monitoring. Thus, the route not only reveals the legacy of mining, but also the stories of illicit trade that marked local life over the centuries.
Today, the Mining and Smuggling Route offers visitors a unique insight into the history and heritage of Mértola, combining natural elements with the marks of a past of exploration and resistance.