Las Medulas – Roman gold mining – Near Ponferrada
Friends told us about Las Medulas and warned us not to do it on weekends or when it’s hot. Well we managed to not do it on the weekend but at 33 C!
From Monforte it is along the N120 Ponferrada and later along the N536 Puente de Domingo Florez. The first time we saw a sign “Las Medulas” it had a sticker to it “solo 4×4″. We thought it was a joke to deter tourists.
Oh no it isn’t. After this church it is a true 4×4 track. Our car at present only breathes on 3 cylinders so we thought it prudent to return and take the longer way.
The long way is further on to Carucedo where there is a tarmaced road leading to Las Medules. It is along stunning scenery. 
In Carucedo the “official” road goes of to Las Medulas. You can follow it to the visitor center or go left to the Galleria / Orellan. Keep going to the Galleria. From the parking lot it is just another 600 meters (up hill) to the view point. Well, only mad dogs and ….. and we attempted this in 34 C.
The view is stunning and dramatic. The loose red sandstone and the lush green vegetation appear suddenly! It reminded us of Colorado (US).
There are lots of walks, 4×4Â and mountain bike tracks. It is well worth spending a whole day there. Just mind that it gets really really hot on sunny days not just in summer. It is also possible to visit some of the mine shafts (10am – 1pm /Â 5pm – 8pm)
To see more of this and better pic’s check out our - slide show Las Medulas – just click here –
More information about the site, a quick well mapped out walk as well as organised walks opening times etc . from the Foundation Las Medulas.
Sadly the gold is all gone – But some may know better as there are stunning renovations in the villages around.
We left and took a slight detour via Borrenes along seemingly untouched scenery and rejoined the N536 to head back to Monforte.
A great day out.
 Expat
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