Conhal do Arneiro

Category: Archaeology > Deposit / Site

District: Castelo Branco > Vila Velha de Ródão > Vila Velha de Ródão > Conhal do Arneiro

Location

The Conhal do Arneiro is located in the Arneiro area, an integral part of the village of Vila Velha de Ródão. Situated in a valley, on the left bank of the Tejo River, this site is positioned downstream from the impressive Portas de Ródão. Its location offers visitors panoramic views of this important waterway and the surrounding natural landscape, inviting contemplation of the scenery.

A Landscape Sculpted by History

This site is marked by a unique landscape, resulting from intense mining activity that took place here many centuries ago. Vast expanses of land, covering more than seventy hectares, are characterized by imposing mounds of quartz pebbles, known locally as 'conhos'. These 'conhos' form lines and elevations that delineate the ancient channels through which water circulated during the exploitation. Observation of this landscape reveals a remarkable testament to the hydrodynamic force of the Tejo River and ingenious human labor, creating a distinct and memorable environment.

Traces of a Golden Past

The Conhal do Arneiro represents a gigantic open-pit gold mine, whose origins date back to Roman times. The extraction of the precious metal was carried out using a particular hydraulic technique, known as 'arrugiage', which consisted of the gravitational dismantling of sedimentary deposits. Water, essential for washing sediments and separating the gold, was transported to the site through excavated channels. The larger pebbles were then manually removed and piled up, giving rise to the 'conhos' that characterize the landscape today. This is considered the best example in Portugal of a Roman mining operation of this type. The importance of the gold extracted here is also underscored by historical narratives, such as the one that states it was used to create a scepter for D. João III or a cross for Vasco da Gama, symbols of the value of this noble metal in Portugal.

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