From mining to Mars
An exciting trip to Riotinto — an area in the East of Huelva province that has been associated with mining for 5000 years
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Today we take you to on an exciting trip to Riotinto — an area in the East of Huelva province that has been associated with mining for 5000 years. For many years, a British company operated the mine, introducing major technological advances. The first Spanish football team also came from Riotinto, encouraged by British miners who brought the sport to Spain.
There are several attractions to be visited in Mining Park Riotinto:
- Ernest Lluch Mining Museum, located in the former Hospital of Rio Tinto Company Limited, invites visitors to discover the mining history. The landscape that seems to belong to another planet is a result of generations of miners working to exploit the most prized treasures of this long-suffering land. You can see a reproduction of a Roman mine and learn about environmental and geological characteristics of the area. Maharajas´s coach, the most luxurious narrow-gauge railway in the world, is also on display here. Originally built for Queen Victoria, it was brought to Rio Tinto on the occasion of a visit by King Alfonso XIII of Spain.
- Don´t miss to visit Corte Atalaya, the largest open-pit- mine in Europe and one of the largest in the world! Economic prosperity and technological advances were a result of human sweat and labour of over 12.000 miners. The crater of the mine measures 1.200 meters across and 345 meters deep and offers a beautiful contrast of the blood-red ore and the emerald green sulphur pools at the bottom of the pit.
- For many years, a British company operated the mine, introducing major technological advances such as the railway line, which transported ore to Huelva port. 12 km of that Mining railway have been restored, serving nowadays as tourist attraction that takes passengers on a trip through ages.
- The Victorian-style Quarter Bellavista was built in the 19thcentury to accommodate the British engineers who ran the mines. The lovingly restored House N° 221 provides a detailed picture of the daily life of a British family based at the mine.
NASA and the Spanish Astrobiology Centre are currently investigating about possible similarities between environmental characteristics of the Rio Tinto area and what may be found on Mars.
Planning a trip to the Costa de la Luz? Book your holiday apartments at www.tlcspain.com.
Originally published at www.tlcspain.com on February 18, 2015.
