Courtesy of the Cova dos Mouros Mine Park
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Cova dos Mouros Mine Park
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When:
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10 May - 31 Oct 2008; Thu only (annual)
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Where:
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Cova dos Mouros Mine Park
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| Opening Hours: |
Thu 10.30am-5pm
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If you're interested in archaeological finds then head for the Cova dos Mouros Mine Park. Discover the remains of copper mines dating back to the Chacolithic period (2500 BC) and learn all about the mining activity here through the ages.
Mining activity took place here from 2500BC until the prospecting works of the 19th century. Hundreds of archaeological remains have been discovered, including scoria and clinker remains, casting crucibles, moulds and copper artefacts from the ancient mines. Iron Age gravestones have also been unearthed, along with Roman tombs and structural remains.
The park is an hour's drive from the coastal town of Faro and offers a good opportunity to understand a little about the Algarve of the past, way before the golf courses -the only holes you'll find here are the mine shafts. You can buy hand-made gifts at the souvenir shop, relax in the café/bar at the entrance and even take a donkey ride around the park.
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