If you’re looking for a plan that combines underground adventure, industrial history and movie-worthy landscapes, the Lucía Mine in the Alavesa Mountains is a nearly unique gem in the world. Located in the village of Atauri, it is one of only two natural asphalt mines open to the public in all of Europe (the other is in Switzerland).
Interestingly, this location has recently gained fame for being one of the filming locations for the movie ‘La Tregua’, released on Netflix. Here’s everything you need to know to visit it:
The visit isn’t just a theoretical lecture; You put on your helmet, turn on your headlamp, and venture into 300 meters of tunnels where even today you can see the “tears” of fresh asphalt oozing from the walls.
Schedule and Reservations
- Days: Saturdays and Sundays.
- Times: 10:00, 11:15 and 12:30.
- Reservation required: Please call 639 31 07 79.
- Meeting point: Atauri Park (next to the fountain).
What will you experience on the visit?
- A real adventure: You will enter wearing a helmet and individual light to see the marks left by miners’ picks and the geological formations of the “Maeztu diapir”.
- Technology and Magic: The mine features holograms of miners at work that leave children (and adults) speechless, simulating the grueling work of pick and shovel.Interesting History: You’ll learn why almost all the mines in the area are named after women (Carmen, Teresa, Lucía…) and how a shepherd from Atauri discovered asphalt after seeing a viscous substance ooze from the rocks while tending his sheep.
Technological Sovereignty of Yesteryear: You’ll see the wooden timbering (the structures that support the roof) made by hand, without a single nail!
Complete the Day: The Mining Landscapes Route
If you’re still looking for more, you can explore the Natural Asphalt Mining Landscapes Route, a A nearly 39 km route (with a main section of 15 km) that you can do on foot or by bike:- Vasco-Navarro Greenway: The old route of the “Trenico” (little train) that connected Estella with Bergara. It’s one of the best cycling routes in Europe.
- Antoñana: A beautiful medieval village where you can see train carriages converted into tourist offices and artistic murals with QR codes.
- Gastronomy: It’s almost a “sin” to leave Maeztu or Campezo without trying the local cuisine of the Álava Mountains.
