The Bellmunt Mining Museum occupies the industrial and metallurgical complex of the Mina Eugènia, the largest and most important lead (galena) mine in the Priorat. Exploitation dates back at least to Roman times (documented from 210 BCE) and continued through the medieval period, though modern-era extraction did not begin until 1873, following the chance discovery of galena on farmland. The company Minas del Priorat S.A. was formed in 1916 and built a workers' housing colony between 1915 and 1920. The complex reached about 620 m deep and closed in 1972.
The visit, always guided, includes a descent by the miners' emergency staircase to a gallery about 35 m down and a walk through some 700 m of 19th-century galleries. A landmark is the Casa de les Mines (1905), the Modernista administration building. The museum, open since December 2002, is part of the mNACTEC network.
Many miners came from Andalusia to fill labor needs, while the local population preferred surface jobs such as foundry work, which paid better and offered four-hour shifts compatible with farm work.
- Best forfamilies, industrial heritage, history, guided tours, architecture
- OpeningAlways a guided visit (~45 min) that goes down into the galleries; advance booking required. Museum + mine €8 (reduced €6, special €5); museum only €3 (reduced €2); free for under-8s, Club Súper3 and ICOM members. September to June: Saturdays 11-13h and 16-18h (guided visit at 16:30h), Sundays and public holidays 11-13h, weekdays by advance booking only. July-August: Tuesday to Saturday 11-13h and 17-19h, Sundays and public holidays 11-13h. Closed from 24 December to 15 January.
- Price€
- AddressCarretera de la Mina, s/n, 43738 Bellmunt del Priorat
- Phone+34 977 830 578
🧭 Part of: The Priorat with kids
ℹ️ Hours and prices can change: check with the establishment before you visit.
Photo: minesbellmunt.com · licence not stated
Sources: minesbellmunt.com · es.wikipedia.org · turismepriorat.org
Last updated: August 2026