Museo de la Real Fábrica de Artillería de La Cavada
Museum on the Real Fábrica de Artillería de La Cavada (1622–1834), with models, cannons, anchors and parts of ships of the line.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Real Fábrica de Artillería de La Cavada operated from 1622 to 1834. The Crown needed to control its sea routes and supply its fleet, which is why the first blast furnaces on the Iberian Peninsula were built here, promoted by the Flemish entrepreneurs Juan Curcio and Jorge de Bande. Water, iron and timber were close at hand, as were the sea, the shipyards and the port of Santander. The cannons of La Cavada came to be considered among the best in the world and defended ports in Spain and America.
Of the large walled complex, with four blast furnaces, reverberatory furnaces, workshops and dwellings, the main gate (the Arco de Carlos III, a Bien de Interés Cultural since 1985), sections of the wall, underground channels and several houses survive. The site was declared a historic site in 2004.
The museum, promoted by the Asociación de Amigos (Friends' Association), explains this past in La Cavada, in the municipality of Riotuerto. The route begins with forest clearance, charcoal making, mining and transport, continues with the furnaces, hydraulic machinery and forges, and devotes a second part to cannons and anchors of different calibres, including a 48-pounder cannon cast in a single piece. The last section deals with ships of the line, with a full-size model of a section of the gun deck of the ship San Juan Nepomuceno. A large model shows the complex in its original state, and cannons and anchors are displayed outside.
Highlights
- Large model of the walled factory complex
- Cannons of 48, 24, 18 and 12 pounders and an 18th-century frigate anchor
- 48-pounder cannon cast in a single piece
- Full-size model of a section of the ship San Juan Nepomuceno
- Cannons and anchors displayed outdoors
- Arco de Carlos III, the former entrance to the factory, in the same village
Permanent exhibitions
- La Real Fábrica de Artillería de La Cavada – Route through the history of the factory, from raw materials and furnaces to the production of cannons and anchors, with panels, audiovisual displays and models.
- Cañones, anclas y navíos de línea – Artillery pieces of various calibres, an 18th-century frigate anchor and a full-size model of part of a ship's gun deck.
- Founded
- 2006
- Operated by
- Asociación de Amigos del Museo de la Real Fábrica de Artillería de La Cavada
- Director
- Ángel Sebastián Cuadrado Carrera
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Groups of more than 15 people, large families, unemployed people, people with a disability of 33% or more (and their companion if they need help), people over 65 and students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Children under 6 enter free. |
| Seniors | €2.50Aged over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2.50Disability of 33% or more; the companion, if they need help, also pays the reduced rate. |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50 |
| Groups (16+ people) | €2.50 per personGroups of more than 15 people. |
| Families | €2.50Large families. |
The website lists admission as a donation-based entry (rates from 2025): €5 from age 18 and €2.50 for the reduced rate. No price is stated for those under 18 from age 6 upwards.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | In summer there are one-hour guided tours in the morning and afternoon. For a guided visit outside these times, or for groups, contact the museum on 942 539 412 or 615 187 845. |
