Mines

Mines
One of the characteristics which makes Aljustrel differ from other counties of the Alentejo is its mining tradition, dating from Roman times.

With rich pyritiferous seams, the mines were explored along the centuries to obtain copper, brimstone and other metals.

The most ancient mines are those of São João do Deserto and of Algares, and the most recent are the mines of Feitais and of Moinho.

A visit to this mining area gives a clear picture of this type of industry, so important to the economic history of the Town; heroism and solidarity always characterized the mining population of Aljustrel.

The Mines Museum has valuable documentation on the mining activity since very remote times, namely items from the Roman period.

To visit it you must ask for an authorization from the Portuguese Pyrites administration, in Aljustrel.