The interpretation center is located in the old workers' casino. There, visitors can learn about the history of this peculiar mining complex, from the creation of the deposit, the first exploitation attempts dating back to the 16th century, the arrival of "the Belgians" in 1833, the foundation of the Royal Company, the development of the mine until its closure in 1915, the expansion of its activity to the metallurgy of zinc and lead and the impact of all this activity on the landscape and the life of the inhabitants of the area.
The most interesting heritage element, its peculiar wooden and zinc headframe from 1856, was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (asset of cultural interest) in March 2011. The original cage is preserved, allowing visitors to descend to a depth of 20 meters and walk through the brick-lined galleries. This tour shows the conditions in which the workers of this mine performed their task under the constant threat of a sea that is the star of the view.
The Eleonore locomotive (1880), the first of those acquired by the Royal Company for its railroad network, remains on display outside the museum. It was restored in 2010 and maintains many of its original elements.
The museum also offers tours through Arnao, along which the visitor will discover the patrimonial ensemble resulting from so many years of activity of the company, workers' houses, the management chalet or facilities such as the company shop or the Ave María schools. The latter is an interesting example of school development promoted and supported by the Royal Company and it remained active from its inauguration in 1913 until its closure in 1990.
Mónica García Cuetos
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