In 1999, Minas de Almadén y Arrayanes, S.A. created the Fundación Almadén Francisco Javier de Villegas. The aim was to refurbish the historical heritage of the mines of Almadén and to obtain the necessary means for this heritage to be known, studied, visited and used by the highest possible number of people to promote the social economy of Almadén and its district through tourism.
The traces of the history of the mining activity in Almadén have not disappeared with the current production facilities. Although combined with modern facilities in many places, buildings and installations have been conserved in good condition. They also remain visible (the hospital of San Rafael, the San Andrés capstan and the forced labour gallery, the Charles IV gate, the aludel furnaces and the San Carlos capstan, among others) and show the evolution of mercury mining over the years.
There is also a large collection of documents that detail the changes that occurred in the mine and enable the interpretation of significant events in history.
Once the historical facilities and buildings have been refurbished, the foundation shall open the facilities and buildings to the public and begin an important archive project related to its own documentary heritage and other cultural, research and study projects.
The Royal Miners’ Hospital of San Rafael has been open to the public since February 2004.
For further information, please contact Fundation:Plaza del Doctor Lope de Haro,1
13400 Almadén (Ciudad Real) ESPAÑA
Tfno.: 00 34 926 26 45 20 - Fax:00 34 926 26 45 08
Email: fundacion@mayasa.es
