Site - Castromil Mines, Castromil

Within the Castromil Gold Mines, located in the municipality of Paredes, parish of Sobreira, there still is a gold deposit. Archaeological evidence shows that as far back as 2000 years ago, the Roman people conducted gold extraction activities in this location. Open pit mining, numerous ancient underground works and even concavities in the lateral walls for the placement of lucerne can be observed. The Castromil pits, as the location is popularly known, is a place as indicated by the name itself, where there are large caves/holes which are the result of the extraction techniques used by the Romans which stem from the open pit mining of large quantities of rock. In this region there are also more recent exploration, such as adits, channel sampling and soil sampling. Additionally in Castromil are diverse geological features, including some of evident relevance, among which are structural, mineral, and lithological, paleontological, and geomorphological characteristics. This Geomineral Heritage has been the target of a scientific study and awareness program, conducted by the Paredes Municipality in partnership with the Faculty of Sciences Oporto University, Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Planning. As such the project has a strong educational contribution which is aimed at all target audiences with the objective of augmenting awareness in regards to the preservation of natural areas, as well as the protection of these geological and mineral features.