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The chimneys standing guard over the valley

Why are there two tall chimneys in Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo?
Because they are the remains of a former power plant from the mining era — and today they are officially protected monuments. They are a reminder of the industrial past of the Valle del Guadiato, where coal, zinc and lead shaped daily life for decades.

From rolling hills to rust and brick

After more than an hour of winding roads through the rolling hills of the Sierra Morena, full of bends and viewpoints, we suddenly entered a different landscape just before reaching the Cortijo. Two tall chimneys, rusted and weathered, stood sharply against the blue sky. The area felt abandoned, almost desolate. It startled me — it was such a contrast to the beauty of the drive.

Only later did I learn that this place, Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo, isn’t a forgotten industrial zone but a protected historic landmark. A symbol of a whole region where generations of miners built their lives and their future.

The story of a mining region

The Valle del Guadiato — home to Belmez and Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo — was for decades known as the heart of mining in Córdoba. Coal, zinc and lead were extracted deep underground here, defining the rhythm of everyday life.

The twin chimneys you can see from afar belong to the former power plant of Peñarroya. They recall a time when the village was buzzing with activity: trains loaded with coal, miners in overalls, and factory whistles signalling shift changes.

After the mines closed in the 1970s and 80s, much of the industry fell into decline. But instead of erasing this history, residents and the municipality chose to preserve parts of it. The chimneys are now officially protected monuments — silent witnesses to an era that shaped the region.

From noise to silence

Living in a place with such a tangible past is something special. When you drive past the chimneys, you might no longer hear industrial noise, but you feel the stories that linger. For us as newcomers, it’s a lesson in valuing what already exists.

Where smoke once rose, silence rises now. Where labour and noise once dominated, quiet has taken over. And yet — the soul of the region remains in those bricks and steel structures. Just as we are transforming our Cortijo from old walls into a new place of hospitality, the region is turning its industrial past into a source of identity and pride.

Gatekeepers of the valley

The two chimneys stand like gatekeepers of the valley. Once symbols of production and progress, they now welcome you into a region where the past quietly shapes the present.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the chimneys of Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo significant?
Because they belonged to the former power plant of the mining region and are now officially protected monuments. They tell the story of decades of mining in the Valle del Guadiato.

What role did Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo play in Andalusia?
The town was the mining heart of Córdoba, where coal, zinc and lead defined the rhythm of local life. Generations of families worked here under tough conditions.

What does this industrial heritage mean today?
It symbolises transformation: from labour and noise to silence and pride. The region preserves its past and weaves it into a new identity.

Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo is home to two chimneys that once symbolised industry and labour, and now stand as protected monuments guarding the valley. They honour a mining past that shaped the region — and still reveals the soul of the Valle del Guadiato today.

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Hasta luego from Andalusia,
Daniëlle | Cortijo La Vista