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Thematic Park of Borralha
Published on 28 May 2018
Portugal
Alentejo
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About this good practice
The Municipality decided to rehabilitate the space by creating two strands one touristic and another musicological, and involve the local population in its rehabilitation and promotion. The Borralha wolfram mining started around World War One and ended in 1986, it provided raw materials to 2 world wars. These mines constitute a geologic richness with great potential to attract tourists to the region and develop the local economy as well. The rehabilitation of this mining complex also has another purpose, which is the environmental preservation, since the wolfram extraction provoked pollution and soil degradation.
The mining buildings were recovered and transformed into a reception, auditorium, exhibition area with several tools and machines used in the mining activity, also a document historic file.
This project was supported by National funds (PRODER and ON).
The mining buildings were recovered and transformed into a reception, auditorium, exhibition area with several tools and machines used in the mining activity, also a document historic file.
This project was supported by National funds (PRODER and ON).
Resources needed
The resources needed are: permanent and temporally staff, promotion and divulgation, maintenance of the mines and buildings.
In order to have rehabilitated these buildings the Municipality had support from national projects that finance a great part of the investment.
In order to have rehabilitated these buildings the Municipality had support from national projects that finance a great part of the investment.
Evidence of success
The Borralha mines already had over 1,834 visitors. This is a historical rehabilitation that allows visitors to recreate mining activities and become acquainted with the methods and tools used at the time.
Potential for learning or transfer
Rehabilitation and conversion of old mines into tourist centers is a good practice that can be repeated in other countries and regions with a mining tradition.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Municipio de Montalegre
Portugal
Norte
Contact
technician