Centro de Interpretación de la Mina Las Matildes

About the museum

The mining concession of Las Matildes dates from 1871 and was worked as a lead mine until the end of the 19th century; from that first phase the first engine house, where the steam engine stood, a reservoir and the steam pipes survive. At the beginning of the 20th century profitability was low and, because the galleries kept flooding, the El Beal Drainage Syndicate was created: Las Matildes began pumping out water so that other mines could work. From that second phase survive the second engine house, with electric hoisting machinery dating from 1905, and a metal headframe.

After drainage ceased, the installations fell into neglect and looting. At the start of the 21st century they were restored and turned into an interpretation centre run by the Fundación Sierra Minera. The shaft, 225 metres deep and 4 metres in diameter, has been opened so that visitors can look down it; beneath a glass floor in the first engine house, the pit bottom and the remains of the steam engine can be seen, alongside a large scale model of the Sierra Minera.

The visit explains the geography, geology and history of the Sierra Minera de Cartagena-La Unión, its cultural heritage and the environmental scars left by mining, as well as the distinctive character of the Beal mines devoted to drainage, Las Matildes and Mina Blanca.

Highlights

• 225-metre-deep mine shaft
• Metal headframe and electric machinery from 1905
• Pit bottom of the steam engine visible under a glass floor
• Scale model of the Sierra Minera de Cartagena-La Unión
• Guided itineraries through the mining landscape

Permanent exhibitions

• Centro de interpretación de la Mina Las Matildes – Route through the geography, geology and history of the Sierra Minera, its heritage and its environmental impacts, and through the Beal mines devoted to drainage.
• Instalaciones mineras – Two engine houses, a reservoir, a 225-metre shaft and a metal headframe, with the remains of the steam engine visible under a glass floor.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Fundación Sierra Minera

Admission & discounts

Prices help to maintain the centre and pay guides and instructors. Only cash or bank transfer is accepted. Visits to the centre are free for the Foundation’s benefactor members. The combined visit with the La Unión Mining Park is currently not available.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

All facilities are adapted for people with mobility difficulties, with ramps throughout the centre and adapted toilets.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Autumn activity programme for the whole family (October to December 2026), including an escape room for children and families, “El guardián de la mina” (“The Mine Guardian”).

Getting there & parking

The mine is in the El Beal mining complex, in the Mina Blanca area, in the municipality of Cartagena.

Amenities & dining

Visitor toilets and an outdoor viewpoint.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit