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Industrial heritage · Zamora, Castile and León
Aceñas de Olivares
Old medieval water mills on the Duero River, restored as an interpretation center of traditional water industries, at the foot of the cathedral.
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 Aceñas de Olivares
The aceñas de Olivares are old water mills built on the bed of the Duero River, at the foot of the cathedral, in the Olivares neighborhood. The aceñas ground grain using the river's force, and Zamora still preserves five groups of them along the Duero, all unused for productive purposes since the early 20th century.
The Olivares aceñas were restored and consolidated to house the Centro de Interpretação das Indústrias Tradicionais da Água. The project received a special mention in the Hispania Nostra awards. Inside, you can see how the wheels, millstones and water channels worked.
The place is also one of the best viewpoints to see the city from below: the river, the stone bridge and, above, the cathedral and the walls.
The aceñas are on a stretch of riverside promenade that links the stone bridge to the lower part of the city.
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
30 to 45 minutes for the interpretation center and the riverside walk.
Best time
Late afternoon, to combine the riverside walk and the view of the cathedral. Check the interpretation center's hours, which vary by season.
How to get there
They are on the Duero's bank, in the Olivares neighborhood, below the cathedral. Walk down the street that starts near the cathedral to the river in about 10 minutes, or follow the riverside from the stone bridge.
Tip
Combine the aceñas with crossing the stone bridge: the riverside walk links the two and provides the best view of the cathedral on the rock.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Aceñas de Olivares
What are the aceñas?
They are medieval water mills built on the riverbed that used the Duero's current to grind grain.
Can you go inside the aceñas?
Yes, those in Olivares house an interpretation center about traditional water industries. Check the opening hours beforehand.
Are the aceñas (watermills) near the cathedral?
Yes, just below it, on the banks of the Duero, about a 10-minute walk away.