Discover Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo: Industrial Heritage and History

Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo is shaped by its mining history, railway and industrial heritage. Since the 19th century, the town’s development, along with changes to its landscape and social life, has been linked to coal mining and the railway. The sights reflect this history in different ways: as an industrial site, a church building and a geological subject. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these themes can offer a starting point, without limiting your visit to just one of them.

Industrial heritage between the Cerco and Barrio Francés

The Antiguo Cerco Industrial de Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo is protected as a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the “Lugar de Interés Industrial” category. Thirteen chimneys still stand in the Cerco Industrial. The Cerco Industrial is associated with lead and coal extraction and is considered one of the best examples of Andalusia’s 19th- and 20th-century mining industry. The chimneys are a clearly visible feature of this industrial complex; its significance also encompasses the history of extraction and industrial development.

Visits to the industrial heritage also include Barrio Francés and the Almacén Central. The availability of this offer may change. Before making plans, check whether the visit is available on your chosen date. The Vía Verde provides a connection between the two areas: it links Barrio Francés with the town centre of Pueblonuevo and passes significant elements of the industrial heritage. This offers a different perspective from visiting individual sites: the route leads from Barrio Francés to the town centre, passing reminders of industrial history along the way.

Church architecture and geological history

The Iglesia de Santa Bárbara offers an architectural contrast to the industrial heritage. Its higher central nave has a barrel vault, while the two side aisles are lower. This gives the church interior a layout with a higher central section and lower sides. Its furnishings include an 18th-century altarpiece from the Sagrario church of the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba. The architecture and altarpiece thus draw attention to two different aspects: the layout of the church interior and the origins of a single work of art.

La Yutera was designed by Eiffel and houses the Museo Geológico-Minero. The museum presents the town’s geological history, a wide variety of rocks and minerals, and the tools used to extract them. It thus complements the history of the industrial sites with geological and mineralogical topics. Every year, the Museo Geológico-Minero offers an extensive programme of talks, educational workshops, guided tours and geological excursions. If you would like to plan for a particular event, check the dates in advance: the annual programme includes a range of formats.

Geodiversity, paintings and views

The Ruta Geodiversidad de Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo y Belmez focuses on the region. It presents landscapes, flora and fauna, geology, mineralogy, fossils and mining heritage. Its themes therefore range from nature to industrial history. At the Abrigo de la Virgen, you can view the schematic paintings; access requires authorisation from Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo Town Hall. Check the authorisation with the town hall again before your visit. The climb to the Peñón offers a different experience, with sweeping views of the Guadiato Valley and Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo. The different themes therefore sit side by side: geological and ecological topics along the route, archaeological paintings at the Abrigo, and views from the Peñón.

Discover more destinations: El Vacar, La Rambla, Castro Del Río, Fuente Obejuna, El Tarajal, Dos Torres, Adamuz, Cerro Muriano

For the broader travel overview: Cordoba.