Home / Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark / Conhal do Arneiro Roman Gold Mine, Monte do Arneiro
Conhal do Arneiro Roman Gold Mine, Monte do Arneiro
The Conhal do Arneiro is an open pit mining where gold was extracted through the gravitational breakdown of the sedimentary deposits on terraces, comprised of conglomerates. The remains of this mining exploitation of Roman origin occupy a region of more than 70 hectares between the Vale stream and the Serra de Sao Miguel. Enormous mounds of pebbles of quartzite which are known as conhos, comprise the excavation heaps. The mounds are aligned in tens of metres, creating the channels where the water circulated for the breakdown of the deposits and washing the sediment. This is the best example of Roman mining exploitation of the "arrugiage" type within the Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark and in Portugal. The best points for observation of this geomonument are the Lookout of the Serra de Sao Miguel (Nisa), the Lookout from the Castle (Vila Velha de Ródão), and it is also recommendable to access the Pego das Portas in the Arneiro settlement for a more detailed visit. We suggest a visit to Conhal Interpretative Centre and to the walking trails "Conhal Trails" and "Conhal Gold Mine Trail". In addition to the Roman mining remains it provides for views of the Tejo Valley, the Natural Monument of the Doors of Ródão, griffins and junipers can be observed.
CHARACTERISTICS
LOCATION
Address: -
City: Monte do Arneiro
Postal Code: 0 - 000
Telephone: 272320176
Email: geral@naturtejo.com
Website: http://www.naturtejo.com
City: Monte do Arneiro
Postal Code: 0 - 000
Telephone: 272320176
Email: geral@naturtejo.com
Website: http://www.naturtejo.com
FUNCTIONING
Public venue, with no timetable or entrance fee.
ORGANISATION OF THE VISIT
The visit to this Point does not require prior booking and can be done individually.
Specific Conditions:
The tour can be made by car or on foot. Guided tours by specialised technicians from the Geopark Naturtejo are paid for in accordance with the number of participants.
Method:
-
Difficulty Level:
Low
Group Visits:
Yes
Minimum Number of Person per group:
2
Maximum Number of Person per group:
0
Observations:
By appointment.
Guided Tours:
Yes
Observations:
By appointment.
Specific Conditions:
The tour can be made by car or on foot. Guided tours by specialised technicians from the Geopark Naturtejo are paid for in accordance with the number of participants.
Method:
-
Difficulty Level:
Low
Group Visits:
Yes
Minimum Number of Person per group:
2
Maximum Number of Person per group:
0
Observations:
By appointment.
Guided Tours:
Yes
Observations:
By appointment.
EXISTING EQUIPMENT
Exterior mining facilities
EDUCATIONAL SERVICE
Activity Description:
Educational programs in the Naturtejo Geopark are available in www.naturtejo.com.
Target Audience:
Teachers and students from all levels of education
Activity Cost:
3.5€
Weekly Schedule:
From 00:00:00 to 00:00:00.
From 00:00:00 to 00:00:00.
Weekend and Holidays Schedule:
From 00:00:00 to 00:00:00.
From 00:00:00 to 00:00:00.
Exceptions:
Educational programs in the Geopark Naturtejo booked in advance in: programas_educativos@naturtejo.com. Minimum fee 3,5 €. The price varies with the optional choice of sports activities in nature.
Observations:
The approach to teaching content, adapted to various levels of education, is performed by Geopark Naturtejo’s monitors that present the scientific-pedagogical education qualification in the field of Geosciences.
Educational programs in the Naturtejo Geopark are available in www.naturtejo.com.
Target Audience:
Teachers and students from all levels of education
Activity Cost:
3.5€
Weekly Schedule:
From 00:00:00 to 00:00:00.
From 00:00:00 to 00:00:00.
Weekend and Holidays Schedule:
From 00:00:00 to 00:00:00.
From 00:00:00 to 00:00:00.
Exceptions:
Educational programs in the Geopark Naturtejo booked in advance in: programas_educativos@naturtejo.com. Minimum fee 3,5 €. The price varies with the optional choice of sports activities in nature.
Observations:
The approach to teaching content, adapted to various levels of education, is performed by Geopark Naturtejo’s monitors that present the scientific-pedagogical education qualification in the field of Geosciences.
EXTERNAL SUPPORT
Where to Stay
http://http://www.cm-nisa.pt/turismo_ondedormir.htm
Where to Eat
http://www.cm-nisa.pt/turismo_ondecomer.htm
Security Forces
http://www.portaldasaude.pt/portal/servicos/prestadoresV2/?providerid=576
Cultural Facilities
http://www.cm-nisa.pt/cultura_cineteatro.htm
http://http://www.cm-nisa.pt/turismo_ondedormir.htm
Where to Eat
http://www.cm-nisa.pt/turismo_ondecomer.htm
Security Forces
http://www.portaldasaude.pt/portal/servicos/prestadoresV2/?providerid=576
Cultural Facilities
http://www.cm-nisa.pt/cultura_cineteatro.htm
TRANSPORT
Type of Transport:
T. Rodoviário
Agency Name:
Rodoviária do Alentejo
Telephone Number:
245412354
Type of Transport:
Táxi
Agency Name:
Praça de Táxis de Nisa
Telephone Number:
245412186
Parking for private vehicles:
Yes
T. Rodoviário
Agency Name:
Rodoviária do Alentejo
Telephone Number:
245412354
Type of Transport:
Táxi
Agency Name:
Praça de Táxis de Nisa
Telephone Number:
245412186
Parking for private vehicles:
Yes
SITES OF TOURISTIC INTEREST
Dolmen of S. Gens
Dolmen of S. Gens São Gens is a National Monument located on the road of Fadagosa Thermal Spa. Dates from the Megalithic and among the materials exhumed in this place stand out bags of bones, ceramics and lithic material, such as arroheads.
gps: 39.27597 7.414726
distance: 35km
Sculptures of Alpalhão
Exposed outdoors, these fabulous sculptures elaborated from the local granite, ere definitely located by the parish in the village, so that it can be admired by those ho pass in Alpalhão. It is noteorthy the curiosity that it as the inhabitants ho decided the location of the sculptures.
gps: 39.4175 -7.61953
distance: 26km
Clay and Embroidery Museum
Located in the historic center of the village of Nisa, the Clay and Embroidery Museum investigates and disseminates the physical and human heritage of History and the manufacturing processes of these recognized traditional arts framing them in the historical context of the municipality of Nisa. It is a lively and dynamic structure, a must-see for those visiting the village.
gps: 39.51836 -7.64726
distance: 12km
Nisa Thermal Spring
The sulphurous hot spring is famous for its therapeutic value in the treatment of rheumatic and respiratory problems, the Thermal Spa of Fadagosa of Nisa are a reference point in the region. In addition to the thermal and spa activity, it has a team of specialists formed specifically for these medicinal treatments.
gps: 39.27597 7.414726
distance: 36km
Dolmen of S. Gens São Gens is a National Monument located on the road of Fadagosa Thermal Spa. Dates from the Megalithic and among the materials exhumed in this place stand out bags of bones, ceramics and lithic material, such as arroheads.
gps: 39.27597 7.414726
distance: 35km
Sculptures of Alpalhão
Exposed outdoors, these fabulous sculptures elaborated from the local granite, ere definitely located by the parish in the village, so that it can be admired by those ho pass in Alpalhão. It is noteorthy the curiosity that it as the inhabitants ho decided the location of the sculptures.
gps: 39.4175 -7.61953
distance: 26km
Clay and Embroidery Museum
Located in the historic center of the village of Nisa, the Clay and Embroidery Museum investigates and disseminates the physical and human heritage of History and the manufacturing processes of these recognized traditional arts framing them in the historical context of the municipality of Nisa. It is a lively and dynamic structure, a must-see for those visiting the village.
gps: 39.51836 -7.64726
distance: 12km
Nisa Thermal Spring
The sulphurous hot spring is famous for its therapeutic value in the treatment of rheumatic and respiratory problems, the Thermal Spa of Fadagosa of Nisa are a reference point in the region. In addition to the thermal and spa activity, it has a team of specialists formed specifically for these medicinal treatments.
gps: 39.27597 7.414726
distance: 36km
ASSOCIATED ROUTES
Geoparks in Portugal
Geoparks in Portugal UNESCO World Geoparks are territories with locations and landscapes of international geological importance, which combine the protection and promotion of its heritage with sustainable development. They are unique places where the oldest memories are millions of years old and include key locations that testify to the evolution of our planet. These territories are classified by UNESCO under the International Geosciences and Geoparks Program. Spread across all continents, geoparks are much more than areas of heritage relevance. They are dynamic territories of which local communities are part, where nature, history and culture are intertwined. There are currently 5 UNESCO World Geoparks in Portugal: Naturtejo (2006), Arouca (2009), Azores (2012), Terras de Cavaleiros (2014) and Estrela (2020). The Geopark on the coast of Viana do Castelo is preparing the future application, but its level of implementation in the territory, namely the educational offer it already develops, led to its inclusion in the GUIDE OF THE PORTUGUESE GEOLOGICAL AND MINES SITES, naturally without the status that UNESCO gives to the remaining territories. On the other hand, new applications are being developed, with several projects in the Oeste, Algarve and Figueira da Foz, which in due time may have their presence on this platform. To visit Portuguese geoparks is to embark on a journey that began 600 million years ago, when Portugal occupied a very different place on the globe, going through incredible episodes of formation and destruction of mountains and seas, of the appearance and extinction of species, of the occurrence of deep climate change, major volcanic eruptions ... until today in the relationship between man and the planet On this GUIDE the visitor will find a proposed itinerary to visit the most significant points in each national geopark, including, of course, the one located in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Take a "good trip" on the GUIDE OF THE PORTUGUESE GEOLOGICAL AND MINES SITES and discover the interesting places we introduce you throughout the country.
Geoparks in Portugal UNESCO World Geoparks are territories with locations and landscapes of international geological importance, which combine the protection and promotion of its heritage with sustainable development. They are unique places where the oldest memories are millions of years old and include key locations that testify to the evolution of our planet. These territories are classified by UNESCO under the International Geosciences and Geoparks Program. Spread across all continents, geoparks are much more than areas of heritage relevance. They are dynamic territories of which local communities are part, where nature, history and culture are intertwined. There are currently 5 UNESCO World Geoparks in Portugal: Naturtejo (2006), Arouca (2009), Azores (2012), Terras de Cavaleiros (2014) and Estrela (2020). The Geopark on the coast of Viana do Castelo is preparing the future application, but its level of implementation in the territory, namely the educational offer it already develops, led to its inclusion in the GUIDE OF THE PORTUGUESE GEOLOGICAL AND MINES SITES, naturally without the status that UNESCO gives to the remaining territories. On the other hand, new applications are being developed, with several projects in the Oeste, Algarve and Figueira da Foz, which in due time may have their presence on this platform. To visit Portuguese geoparks is to embark on a journey that began 600 million years ago, when Portugal occupied a very different place on the globe, going through incredible episodes of formation and destruction of mountains and seas, of the appearance and extinction of species, of the occurrence of deep climate change, major volcanic eruptions ... until today in the relationship between man and the planet On this GUIDE the visitor will find a proposed itinerary to visit the most significant points in each national geopark, including, of course, the one located in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Take a "good trip" on the GUIDE OF THE PORTUGUESE GEOLOGICAL AND MINES SITES and discover the interesting places we introduce you throughout the country.
SUGGESTIONS OF THE ROUTE- OTHER NEARBY PLACES TO VISIT