Románico Zamora

Watermills of Olivares

10th century

The Watermills of Olivares, are a set of medieval mills that were the first industry in the city. There were risen as many as seven millwheels and their diversion dams or weirs for grinding wheat. 

During 10th and 12th century, these facilities, became the property of the Church and remained so until the Ecclesiastical Confiscations of Mendizábal. Over time they have undergone several reconstructions, until in the 19th century ended their miller use. 

Inaugurated in July 2008, after a thorough restoration which won the Europa Nostra award, Las Aceñas’ transformation has meant not only the restoration of its architecture, the three water mills, and mills that are worth visiting, but they also provide the opportunity to walk on the Douro, listen to its strength, and enjoy the views.

In the first mill, which has been completely rebuilt, is located the visitor reception center, while in each of the other three water mills there are a rebuilt trip hammer, a fulling mill and a mill.

In its upper floors have been set up several exhibitions. Thus, the first water mill, known as "La Primera" (what means The First), discusses the role of rivers as the origin of civilizations, the birth of Zamora, the oldest news about “Las Aceñas de Olivares” and the rudiments of milling technology. The second water mill, called "La Manca" (what means half-finished) deals with the economic resources provided by the river, the city in the Middle Ages, the different types of water mills and the social and working organization at watermills of Olivares. The last one, called "La Rubisca" describes the evolution of Zamora in the Golden Age and the evolution of watermills of Olivares and the Olivares neighborhood until the 20th century.

ADDRESS

San Claudio de Olivares Square

To view the entire route from your position to the monument, you can click on the Google icon located on the lower left corner of the map.

OPENING HOURS AND VISITS

Free of charge entrance in general.

From 1st September until 30th April:
Tuesday to Sunday: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00.
 
From 1st May until 31st August:
Tuesday to Sunday: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00.

Guided tour by appointment. Call 0034 980 53 49 08.

GENERAL INTEREST SERVICES

Tourist offices: 

- Local tourist office: It is located at 5, Arias Gonzalo Square. Tel. +34 980 533 694

- Castilla y León tourist office: It is located at 1, Príncipe de Asturias Avenue. Tel. +34 980 531 845

- Provincial tourist office: It is located at Viriato Square. Tel. +34 980 534 047

Local police: Tel. +34 980 531 245

Civil Guard (police with responsibilities outside towns): Tel. +34 980 521 100

Emergency telephone numbers: 112

- Virgen de la Concha (Hospital): Tel. +34 980 548 212

Bus station: Tel. +34 980 521 281

Train station: Tel. +34 980 521 110

Taxi: Tel. +34 630 630 630 

Civil defence: Tel. +34 980 536 190