Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Leiria > Marinha Grande > Marinha Grande > Forno da Telha
The Pedreanes Blast Furnace Archaeological Complex is strategically located in the locality of Forno da Telha, within the municipality of Marinha Grande, in the district of Leiria. This site is part of a landscape that, although transformed over the centuries, retains traces of its historical importance, especially concerning its proximity to natural resources essential for ancient industries.
Its position was once crucial for the exploitation of raw materials such as iron ore, wood for charcoal production, and water, all indispensable elements for the operation of a blast furnace, giving its surroundings an atmosphere that evokes its past industrial activity.
The Pedreanes Blast Furnace represents one of the most significant and ancient testimonies of the metallurgical industry in Portugal. Dating back to the 18th century, this imposing structure was fundamental for the production of cast iron, a crucial material for the development of various tools, equipment, and parts, essential for the time.
Its existence in this region highlights the technological pioneering and productive organization capacity that characterized the beginning of Portuguese industrialization, marking a period of great innovation and progress.
When visiting the Archaeological Complex, visitors can observe the vestiges of the robust blast furnace structure, built predominantly of stone, which has withstood the passage of time. It is possible to identify the base of the furnace where iron ore, charcoal, and flux were introduced and heated to extremely high temperatures, driven by a forced air blast.
This complex operation resulted in the melting of the ore and the separation of the iron, which was then cast. The site allows for a visual and spatial understanding of the engineering and labor that characterized pre-industrial metallurgy, revealing the technical boldness of its builders and operators.
The Pedreanes Blast Furnace Archaeological Complex is a valuable historical and cultural heritage, preserved for future generations. It allows for a deep immersion into the country's economic and technological history, functioning as a place of memory where one can understand the daily life and innovations that drove progress in past centuries.
The preservation of this complex offers a unique opportunity for visitors to directly witness an important chapter of Portugal's industrial heritage, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of society in the face of development demands.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.7645598,-8.9379895
Coordinates DMS: 39°45'52.4"N 08°56'16.8"W
Weather Marinha Grande
On-duty Pharmacy Marinha Grande
