Parques de Portugal

Conhal do Arneiro (old mining)

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In a valley on Tagus left bank, downstream from Portas de Ródão, is Conhal do Arneiro, a large heap formed by gigantic piles of pebbles (known here as "conhos", so the name "conhal"), a witness to the gold mining that has functioned here in Roman and medieval times. The precious metal was washed with water from Nisa River, taken from the area of Senhora da Graça.

Proving the quality of the Alentejo ore, king João III ordered the manufacture of a scepter with gold extracted from this river and Vasco da Gama a cross, showing to the Venetians that in Portugal were more precious metals than in the Eastern world.

Iron, steel and silver were other metals once exploited on Tagus banks.

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  • In a valley on Tagus left bank, downstream from Portas de Ródão, is Conhal do Arneiro, a large heap formed by gigantic piles of pebbles (known here as "conhos", so the name "conhal"), a witness to the gold mining that has functioned here in Roman and medieval times. The precious metal was washed with water from Nisa River, taken from the area of Senhora da Graça.

    Proving the quality of the Alentejo ore, king João III ordered the manufacture of a scepter with gold extracted from this river and Vasco da Gama a cross, showing to the Venetians that in Portugal were more precious metals than in the Eastern world.

    Iron, steel and silver were other metals once exploited on Tagus banks.

  • Alentejo

  • Nisa

  • Portas de Ródão Natural Monument

  • No

  • Access by car, coming from:

    -Vila Velha de Ródão (± 13 km) – N18 and M527 passing by Monte do Arneiro; or

    - Nisa (± 17 km) – N18 and M527 or M544 to Monte do Arneiro.

     

    GPS: 39.631216, -7.693026

  • Cultural Historical

  • -

  • Look for griffon vultures soaring above the Conhal area and on the high rocky areas. Near Tagus river try to see otters’ droppings and waterfowl and take some photos of Portas de Ródão.