Images

The image shows the interior of the El Pobal Ironworks during a live demonstration. In the foreground, a person can be seen carrying out traditional forging work beside a lit hearth, where incandescent iron produces an intense shower of sparks that illuminates the space. The setting is constructed in stone, with thick walls and semicircular arches forming a hall of historical and industrial character. To one side, original elements of the ironworks can be observed, such as chains and tools, while another person watches the activity from a lateral area, within a spacious and open environment that allows the process to be observed safely. The scene reflects the educational and experiential nature of the visit, highlighting pre-industrial ironworking techniques and the use of traditional hydraulic systems.

El Pobal Iron-works

Go back to El Pobal Forge

Description

In the mining area stands the El Pobal Ironworks, a hydraulic factory in which iron ore was worked to turn it into metal and make all kinds of tools (ploughshares, hammers, hoes, pickaxes) as well as household utensils, among other things. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century by the Salazar family, who ruled the region from Muñatones Castle.

Its heyday came in the late 17th century, when the workshop was enlarged and the dam, canal, mill dam and hydraulic tunnel were rebuilt. However, most of the buildings and machinery present there today (the forge, the charcoal stores, the stone bellows, the hammer and the anvil) date from the late 19th century. They were the result of the reforms that the last ironworkers had to carry out to remain competitive in a technologically more advanced world that was no longer theirs. With these changes, the ironworks remained in operation until 1965.

Around the ironworks, a productive complex developed consisting of the ironworkers’ residence, which originally had the appearance of a tower house, the mill, with two pairs of stones for grinding wheat and maize, the bread oven, the vegetable gardens and the hills from which they sourced coal and wood.

Open to the public since 2004, El Pobal is a living museum of two of the most important pre-industrial activities in Bizkaia: iron production and milling. Visitors to this beautiful setting on the banks of the Barbadún river will be able to enjoy seeing the two hydraulic devices in operation.

As this is a historic heritage site with original spaces and guided routes, accessibility conditions may vary depending on the areas open to visitors and the dynamics of the tour. For this reason, it is recommended that each visitor, according to their specific accessibility needs, contact the museum in advance to obtain information about available routes, existing support measures and the specific conditions of the visit. All visits to the El Pobal Ironworks are conducted exclusively through guided tours. The facility provides a parking area and a shop.

Features and services

The commercial policy regarding people with functional diversity

Is there a special rate for people with functional diversity and/or their companions?
Yes
Special rate type
Admission is free for individuals with disabilities.

Accessibility policy

Is there an accessibility certificate?
No
Is there a dedicated printed accessibility plan?
No

Specialized support for people with functional diversity

Is this staff easy to identify?
No

Communicationo adaptation

Is an internet point with a Jaws voice system available?
No
Are magnetic loop systems available?
No
Is information available regarding facilities and services in accessible text?
No
Is information available regarding facilities and services in Braille?
No
Does any staff know sign language?
No
Is there an audio guide service?
No
Is the work adapted for blind people?
No
Is adapted information available (simple text)
No
Is there any means of communication specifically designed for people with functional diversity?
No
Easy to read work information
No

Personal Assistance and lending of technical aids

There is a service for lending technical mobility aids
No

Environment accessibility

Is the establishment in a location with significant urban barriers or where there are problems to get access to motor vehicles?
No

Public transport

Availability of public transport
No

Parking

Parking available inside
No
Parking available outside
Yes
Public parking available nearby
No
Parking spaces reserved for PRM in the public space
No

Emergency exit

Does the establishment have evacuation plans in Braille and/or high relief?
No
Does the emergency door have panic bars?
No

Information desk

Is part of this 0.70 - 0.85 m high?
Yes

Locker

Is part of this 0.70 - 0.85 m high?
Yes

WC

There is at least 1 service that can be considered as PRM accessible
Yes
Number of adapted services
1
Access door
width of ≥ 0.90 m
Outward opening sliding or swing door
Yes
You can make a 1.50 m circle inside
Yes
Washbasin without a base. 0.80M high
Yes
Adjustable height washbasin
No
Single lever or push button tap
Yes
Toilet height of 0.40 - 0.50 m
Yes
Distress call system
No
Call system in the entire WC
No
Free front space of 0.80 x 1.20 m for all toilets
Yes

Location