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Museum · Ponferrada, Castela e Leão
La Fábrica de Luz. Museo de la Energía
Museum in the former coal-fired power station of the Minero Siderúrgica de Ponferrada, which operated from 1920 to 1971, featuring the original machines and the history of coal in Bierzo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About La Fábrica de Luz. Museo de la Energía
Bierzo was, for much of the 20th century, a coal-mining region, and Ponferrada grew up around that industry. Along the río Sil, the company Minero Siderúrgica de Ponferrada built a thermal power plant that burned coal from the mines to generate electricity; it operated from 1920 to 1971.
The brick building with large windows was restored preserving the original machines and structure and opened as a museum in 2011 under the name A Fábrica de Luz. The restoration received the European Union award for the conservation of cultural heritage.
The visit follows the path of the coal through the plant: the arrival of the mineral, the boilers, the turbines and generators, the control panels. Videos with testimonies from former workers explain what each role was like, giving the visit a human dimension.
The museum helps to understand the other face of Bierzo, beyond the castle and the Camino: that of the mining and industry that shaped the modern town.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best time
On rainy days or during the hottest hours of summer. Check opening days and hours before you go.
How to get there
It is on the banks of the río Sil, next to the puente do Centenário, about a 15-minute walk from the castelo.
Tip
Watch the videos of former workers during the visit: they are the ones who bring the machines to life.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about La Fábrica de Luz. Museo de la Energía
What is the Fábrica de Luz de Ponferrada?
It is the Museu da Energia, in the former coal-fired power station that operated from 1920 to 1971, with the original machinery.
How long does the visit take?
From 1 to 1.5 hours.
Where is the Museu da Energia?
On the banks of the river Sil, next to the Centenario bridge, about a 15-minute walk from the castle.