Las Médulas Visitor Reception Centre

The Las Médulas Visitor Reception Centre is run by the Bierzo Regional Council and is on Calle General in the village of Las Médulas, behind the church, about 400 metres from the entrance car park and 50 metres from the Valiñas amphitheatre. It is the gateway to the Roman mine from the village side: here you ask for route information, watch the audiovisual on how the gold was worked and book guided visits.

What there is

It provides information on the Natural Monument's routes and on tourist resources throughout El Bierzo. It has an audiovisual explaining the mine's extraction methods, panels, tactile models with Braille text and a small souvenir shop. It is accessible. It also hires bicycles; the centre does not publish rates, so ask the price on arrival or by phone.

Opening hours

In winter the counter is open from 9:45 to 16:30. In July, August and September, from 9:45 to 14:30 and from 16:00 to 18:00. It closes from 22 December to 2 January, both included, and the last entry is 15 minutes before closing. The centre itself asks that you confirm the hours before going, because they change with the season.

The guided visit to the Valiñas

From here leaves the guided visit to the Valiñas amphitheatre: a circular loop of about 3 km through the old open-cast face of the mine, where the Romans left off work, with a guide who explains the type of deposit, the hydraulic network and the workforce. It lasts about two hours. In winter it leaves at 10:00, 12:00 and 13:00, and in summer at 10:00, 10:30 and 11:00. It costs €5 per person, and €2 for groups of more than 20, according to the Junta. A minimum of six people is needed and booking is compulsory, subject to availability: call 987 42 07 08 or 619 258 355, or write to [email protected]. The centre may change or cancel the visit for reasons of force majeure.

If you prefer to go on your own, the path is signposted and free. In summer, the guided departures are early because of the heat: bring water and a cap.

Getting there and parking

Park at the entrance to the village of Las Médulas and continue on foot along the main street. For the overall view from above, the Orellán viewpoint and galleries are on the other slope, with their own Orellán car park, about ten minutes by car.

What to do afterwards

Do the Valiñas trail, guided or on your own, or a longer route, such as the perimeter trail or the Reirigo trail towards Carucedo, where the Junta's Park House is. For eating in the village, the Medulio restaurant.