Las Médulas Park House

The Las Médulas Park House (Casa del Parque) is the Junta's centre for the Natural Monument, and is in the village of Carucedo, on Calle de Abajo, next to the lake, about 25 km from Ponferrada. It should not be confused with the Visitor Reception Centre in the village of Las Médulas, which is run by the Bierzo Regional Council and from which the guided visits leave. The Park House gives an overview of the area, its zones and how to visit it, and is a good place to start if you come from the lake side.

Getting there

From the A-6, at kilometre 400, at Carracedelo, take the N-120; about 10 km along is the turning to Carucedo, and from there it is about 5 km more to the Park House. It is in the same village, near Carucedo lake.

What is inside

The exhibition explains how the Romans' work transformed the mountain. You enter by a ramp with images and sound about that transformation; next comes a room, “A matter of rhythms”, which compares the speed at which the landscape changes through natural causes and through human hands, in Roman times and today, and another, “The cave”, with images, interactive displays and videos. The room of traditional trades tells of fishing in the lake, farming, the vine and the chestnut, with pieces that can be touched. At the end, a space on sustainable living and the networks of protected areas hosts touring exhibitions. Until 31 January 2027 you can also see the exhibition “Bicentenary of Gil y Carrasco”.

In the public service area there are 360° images of the Natural Monument, material for planning the visit and staff who guide you. On the ground floor there is a conference room, a library and a laboratory for activities.

Hours and contact

The hours change by season and the Foundation publishes them in a separate document on its website: call beforehand on 987 420 622 or write to [email protected]. The leaflet does not give an admission price.

The trails explained here

The Park House hands out the Natural Monument's route leaflet. Among them, the Valiñas trail, which enters the amphitheatre of the mine along a path that locals use to collect chestnuts; the Reirigo trail, along the ridge towards Carucedo, and the perimeter trail, which goes round the mine. From the Park House itself you can walk round Carucedo lake, 6.5 km flat, with an accessible path of 600 metres beside the shore.

For the overall view, drive up to the Orellán viewpoint, and for sleeping by the lake, La Peregrina, in Carucedo.