Museo minero de Escucha
The Museo minero de Escucha is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of coal mining, located in the town of Escucha, in the province of Teruel. This museum is one of the few in Europe that allows visitors to tour a real coal mine, which was closed in 1968 and later restored and adapted for educational and tourist purposes. This museum offers its visitors an unforgettable experience that allows them to understand the working and living conditions of miners, as well as the importance of mining for the economic and social development of the region.
This museum consists of two parts: the above-ground part and the underground part. The above-ground part includes the reception building, where you can watch an introductory film about the history of the mine and mining in Teruel, as well as an exhibition with various exhibits related to mining, such as tools, machines, documents, and uniforms. The underground part includes the mine itself, which can be accessed by a cart that descends along rails to a depth of about 200 meters.
In the mine, you can visit various galleries and chambers, where you can see reconstructions of miners’ work, as well as the original equipment and infrastructure of the mine, such as ventilation, lighting, and transport. In the mine, you can also see natural coal seams and rocks, which testify to the geology and paleontology of the region.
This museum is open to visitors all year round, except for Mondays and holidays. Opening hours vary depending on the season, and tickets can be purchased online or on-site. The museum also offers various services and amenities for visitors, such as parking, a souvenir shop, a café, and a playground for children. The museum also organizes various activities and educational workshops for schools and groups, and also collaborates with other institutions and organizations related to mining and culture.