Aljustrel tem uma mina – Municipio de Aljustrel

Portugal

The Aljustrel tem uma Mina is the largest urban mining route in Portugal, offering a roughly 12 kilometre walking itinerary that reveals the mining soul and landscape of Aljustrel.

This route invites visitors to follow a path that winds through the town’s historic centre, the surrounding rural terrain and the revitalised mining areas, allowing a direct encounter with the long history of extraction that has shaped the community and its environment. Laid out on a combination of urban streets, wooden walkways and rural paths, the trail typically takes three to four hours to complete on foot and is considered a gentle and accessible way to explore the region’s unique identity.

Starting from the old primary school near Jardim 25 de Abril, the hike crosses key points of interest that together form a narrative of Aljustrel’s past. Walkers pass by historical machinery and mining hoists, miners’ neighbourhoods and remnants of ancient mining operations that have left their mark on the landscape, while also enjoying the panoramic views over fields and hills that characterise the Alentejo countryside. The route culminates near the Church of Nossa Senhora do Castelo, where visitors can appreciate sweeping views over the whole area, offering both insight into the town’s industrial heritage and an appreciation of its natural beauty.

This trail not only uncovers Aljustrel’s mining legacy — dating back to Roman times when it was known as Vipasca — but also fosters a sustainable, educational and reflective experience that connects the history of mining with contemporary life and landscape.