A guided visit to Mina Eugènia takes you 35 metres underground through galleries dating from the late 19th century. Together with the Museu de les Mines and the traces of mining in the surrounding area, it gives Bellmunt del Priorat a clear historical identity. Routes through the wine-growing landscape and distinctive local festival traditions are also among the themes you can shape your stay around.
Mining History in the Museum and the Landscape
The permanent exhibition at the Museu de les Mines traces the story from galena and geology through the development of mining to industrial extraction and Mina Eugènia. Advance reservations and confirmation are required for both a visit to the museum and a guided tour inside the mine. So if the mine is to be a key part of your travel plans, arrange this visit first.
Bellmunt del Priorat was the centre of a major mining basin that also extended into the neighbouring municipalities of Falset and El Molar. Mining left its mark on the landscape: spoil heaps are found across a large part of the municipality. The townscape also changed as industry grew. Around 1920, Minas del Priorato, SA, built the first mining colonies to house workers and their families. They had moved from other Spanish mining regions, especially Andalusia. As mining continued to expand, more colonies were built and the town centre grew.
Church, Casa Gran and Casal
The Església parroquial de Santa Llúcia is an 18th-century neoclassical parish church. It is dedicated to the town’s patron saint, Santa Llúcia. Casa Gran was once a residence for Carthusian monks; it may also date from the 18th century. Casal offers a different architectural accent: a modernist building and one of Bellmunt’s landmarks. Together, these buildings reveal different aspects of the town’s history, so there is more to see than just its mining heritage.
Cycling Routes through the Southern Priorat
Itinerari 2 runs between Falset, Bellmunt del Priorat and Marçà through the wine-growing landscape of the southern Priorat. It approaches Bellmunt on a paved road signposted at the GR-174 towards Bellmunt. Itinerari 5 is a loop from Falset via Bellmunt, El Masroig and Marçà back to Falset; much of it runs between vineyards and olive groves.
Itinerari 5 is listed as 29.00 kilometres long, with 613 metres of elevation gain and a rideable proportion of 99 percent. At kilometre 7.29, the route reaches the Minas de Bellmunt. It then joins the intersecting road before continuing along the GR to the right. From there, it descends towards the Siurana River. Check the route conditions and trail markings before setting out by bike.
On Foot in the Footsteps of Miners and Farmers
The section from Bellmunt to El Molar on the Caminos de mineros y agricultores route is less than 8 kilometres long, has 170 metres of ascent and takes less than three hours. Another described stretch of this route climbs close to the summit of SarraĂ, then follows a track and turns right at a junction towards the Museu de les Mines de Bellmunt. Check trail conditions and accessibility before hiking.
Local Festivals and Cuisine
On 30 December, the final day of the Festes Majors dels Sants Innocents, sharing a meal of fesols a la cassola and bacallĂ fregit is part of the festival tradition. It is known as the badejada or festa del bacallĂ . If you are planning your trip around this date, confirm the date and menu in advance.
The annual TAST DE LES MINES also celebrates wine and gastronomy. It takes place at the Museu de les Mines de Bellmunt del Priorat and brings together wineries belonging to the Associació de Cellers de la Conca del Siurana. These include wineries in the southernmost part of the Denominació d’Origen Qualificada Priorat, including those in Bellmunt del Priorat, El Molar and El Lloar. The programme includes music and “del terreno” gastronomic tapas; special wines, including older vintages and speciality wines, are sometimes offered. Dates and participating wineries may vary from one edition to another.
Getting There
From Reus or Móra la Nova, take the N-420 to the Falset oest - Bellmunt del Priorat exit. Continue towards Falset until the junction with the TP-7101, then take the TP-7101 to Bellmunt del Priorat. The town’s history, the mine visit that requires a reservation, and the different cycling and walking routes all offer ways to plan your stay.
Discover more destinations: Lilla, Farena, Les Borges Del Camp, Marçà , Figuerola Del Camp, Escaladei, Creixell, Bonastre.
Go to the main travel overview: Tarragona.
