Achada do Gamo Ruins

Category: Civil Architecture > Ruinas

District: Beja > Mértola > Santana de Cambas > Achada do Gamo

Location

The Ruins of Achada do Gamo are located in the area of the same name, in the locality of Santana de Cambas, Mértola municipality. This site is part of the vast landscape of the former São Domingos mining concession, an area marked by intense industrial activity that shaped it over several centuries.

It is a point where human intervention in the landscape is particularly visible, with the presence of mining waste mounds and unique-looking lagoons, formed by runoff from mining operations, offering a unique view of a profoundly transformed environment.

The Mining Legacy

The Achada do Gamo area is a testament to the long history of mining in the São Domingos region, dating back to pre-Roman times and intensifying from the mid-19th century, lasting until 1966. At this site, as throughout the entire concession, minerals such as copper and sulfur were extracted, which had a significant impact on the economy and the very configuration of the local landscape.

The visible remains, including the old mills where pyrite was reduced to powder and the extensive spoil heaps (waste mounds), represent the legacy of one of the largest Portuguese mining operations, an undertaking that employed thousands of workers and left indelible marks on the land and culture of the region.

A Landscape of Colors and Contrasts

One of the most distinctive aspects of Achada do Gamo are the lagoons that formed from the runoff of mining waste. These highly acidic waters display varied and unusual colors, a result of their chemical composition, rich in minerals. The surrounding landscape, with reddish-toned earth and the imposing spoil heaps, contributes to a visually unique environment of strong contrast.

The characteristic smell of metal and sulfur, present in the air, is a reminder of the intense industrial activity that took place here, completing the sensory experience of this unique place.

Popular Beliefs and Knowledge

Over time, the waters of Achada do Gamo have generated a notable cultural particularity: the popular belief in their alleged healing properties. Many inhabitants of the region, and even visitors from other places, over generations, have believed and continue to believe in the benefits of these waters for various ailments, such as skin problems or rheumatism.

This oral tradition and its persistence reflect ancient knowledge and a deep bond between the community and its territory, which has remained alive despite warnings about the acidity and its health implications.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt