Experience At Pozo Sotón of Hotel Mieres del Camino in Mieres. Official Website.
Experience at Pozo Sotón
Less than 20 minutes by car from Mieres del Camino and about half an hour east of Oviedo, you will find Pozo Sotón, a historic coal mine in the heart of Asturias' mining region and one of the most representative examples of Spain's industrial heritage.
What makes this mine unique is that it is open to the public and offers a wide range of activities for all ages, allowing visitors to learn about Asturias' mining traditions while enjoying a truly different tourism experience.
The History of Pozo Sotón
In 1792, coal deposits were discovered in this area, although more than 50 years passed before mining activities began. In 1867, English businessman William Partington, co-founder of Madrid's first gas company, began exploiting the coal reserves of this part of Asturias, giving rise to the Santa Ana Mines, which were initially worked using traditional mountain mining methods.
During the second decade of the 20th century, mountain mining gradually gave way to vertical mining, which involved digging deep shafts into the ground. Between 1917 and 1922, Pozo Sotón was constructed, featuring two headframes connected by a winding structure and a machine house with union offices. The complex was declared a Cultural Heritage Monument in 2014.
Activities to Discover Pozo Sotón
Underground Mine Tour
An extraordinary experience designed for the more adventurous visitor. Participants should be in good physical condition, and bringing a spare set of clothes is recommended.
Visitors can choose between a shorter tour lasting approximately two to three hours or a more extensive visit lasting between five and six hours. During both experiences, you will descend more than 300 metres in the mine cage to the eighth level and continue down to the ninth level through the La Jota Shaft.
HUNOSA, the company that manages these tours, provides all the equipment necessary to ensure a safe experience, including protective clothing, gloves, a self-rescue device, and a safety lamp.
The Museum
Those interested in learning more about the history of Pozo Sotón and mining heritage can visit the Mining Experience and Memory Centre. The museum includes exhibits dedicated to miners, firedamp gas, workplace accidents, company stores, women in mining, and historical documentation.
The museum encourages visitor interaction, allowing guests to touch exhibits, participate in guided tours, and enjoy educational activities and workshops designed for children and schools.
Mining Escape Room
For those looking for a fun group activity, Pozo Sotón offers a 90-minute escape room experience for groups of 6 to 10 people. You'll get the chance to become real miners for a day. Will you manage to escape from the mine?
Theatrical Guided Tour
This immersive mining experience transports visitors back to the 1960s through the story of Carmina, a telephone operator at Pozo Sotón with deep mining roots and the wife of Gelín, one of the mine's leading coal cutters.
All this and much more, including the possibility of celebrating a birthday or hosting an event inside the mine, awaits you at Pozo Sotón, one of the most original and enriching tourist attractions in Asturias.
If you are interested in discovering the rural heart of Asturias, Hotel Mieres del Camino is the ideal choice. This modern hotel offers all the comforts you need to feel at home during your holiday.
The hotel features a café-restaurant, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and exceptional customer service.
Book your room now and discover Pozo Sotón and Mieres del Camino!
What makes this mine unique is that it is open to the public and offers a wide range of activities for all ages, allowing visitors to learn about Asturias' mining traditions while enjoying a truly different tourism experience.
The History of Pozo Sotón
In 1792, coal deposits were discovered in this area, although more than 50 years passed before mining activities began. In 1867, English businessman William Partington, co-founder of Madrid's first gas company, began exploiting the coal reserves of this part of Asturias, giving rise to the Santa Ana Mines, which were initially worked using traditional mountain mining methods.
During the second decade of the 20th century, mountain mining gradually gave way to vertical mining, which involved digging deep shafts into the ground. Between 1917 and 1922, Pozo Sotón was constructed, featuring two headframes connected by a winding structure and a machine house with union offices. The complex was declared a Cultural Heritage Monument in 2014.
Activities to Discover Pozo Sotón
Underground Mine Tour
An extraordinary experience designed for the more adventurous visitor. Participants should be in good physical condition, and bringing a spare set of clothes is recommended.
Visitors can choose between a shorter tour lasting approximately two to three hours or a more extensive visit lasting between five and six hours. During both experiences, you will descend more than 300 metres in the mine cage to the eighth level and continue down to the ninth level through the La Jota Shaft.
HUNOSA, the company that manages these tours, provides all the equipment necessary to ensure a safe experience, including protective clothing, gloves, a self-rescue device, and a safety lamp.
The Museum
Those interested in learning more about the history of Pozo Sotón and mining heritage can visit the Mining Experience and Memory Centre. The museum includes exhibits dedicated to miners, firedamp gas, workplace accidents, company stores, women in mining, and historical documentation.
The museum encourages visitor interaction, allowing guests to touch exhibits, participate in guided tours, and enjoy educational activities and workshops designed for children and schools.
Mining Escape Room
For those looking for a fun group activity, Pozo Sotón offers a 90-minute escape room experience for groups of 6 to 10 people. You'll get the chance to become real miners for a day. Will you manage to escape from the mine?
Theatrical Guided Tour
This immersive mining experience transports visitors back to the 1960s through the story of Carmina, a telephone operator at Pozo Sotón with deep mining roots and the wife of Gelín, one of the mine's leading coal cutters.
All this and much more, including the possibility of celebrating a birthday or hosting an event inside the mine, awaits you at Pozo Sotón, one of the most original and enriching tourist attractions in Asturias.
If you are interested in discovering the rural heart of Asturias, Hotel Mieres del Camino is the ideal choice. This modern hotel offers all the comforts you need to feel at home during your holiday.
The hotel features a café-restaurant, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and exceptional customer service.
Book your room now and discover Pozo Sotón and Mieres del Camino!